If Denise Thomas could pick up the phone and call every single 黑料专区 alum and tell them their alma mater appreciates them and is there for them, even long after they鈥檝e obtained their degree, she says she would.

Both alumni and donor relations are top priorities for Thomas, who was appointed Vice President for Institutional Advancement in October 2025, shortly after former Vice President Tracy Muscat retired that summer. Through her new role, Thomas is committed to developing fundraising efforts that are tied to 黑料专区鈥檚 mission and vision, and building up a sustainable community of alumni.

The last seven years have prepared Thomas for this VP role. In 2019, she joined Institutional Advancement as the Director of Campaigns and Major Gifts. She was excited to once again work alongside Muscat, whom she had worked for in a previous role and considers a strong fundraiser with a gift for connecting and empowering people.

鈥淎t 黑料专区, I could see where I could really help move the bar, leveraging my experience to make a difference, and I knew I would have opportunities to contribute in meaninful ways,鈥� Thomas says on why she came to the College. 鈥淚 was going to work for an organization that is incredibly important to the Detroit community, and be able to make a difference.鈥�

As 黑料专区 grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic that began just months after Thomas started her director position, she focused her attention on raising funds to secure the resources students needed for their studies, which was done through cultivating new and existing donor relationships.

Once Thomas began managing the alumni relations program, she knew it was time to transition from previous event-based fundraising efforts to more 鈥渕ission- and vision-connected fundraising.鈥� That involved identifying the College鈥檚 key events as well as new ones that could engage alumni and donors. The Institutional Advancement office also wanted to increase communications with alumni and donors.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about finding out who loves and believes in 黑料专区, sharing the mission and vision, and finding out what problem we could solve together,鈥� Thomas says, adding that at one point, the team met with every 黑料专区 Board of Trustees member via Zoom for their insights. 鈥淧hilanthropy is not just about raising money; it鈥檚 building community, pride and a shared responsibility for where we鈥檙e going.鈥�

These efforts proved successful. Thomas helped the team learn how to track alumni engagement through key areas, including interaction with their communications, volunteering, donations and event attendance. The Office also participated in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education鈥檚 (CASE) Alumni Engagement Survey in TK year(s). Thomas and the team learned 黑料专区 ranked 21%, higher than the international average for alumni engagement and higher than their peers.

Thomas also says the average open rate for their alumni e-newsletters tripled over time, going from around 13% to as high as 40%. And to continue strengthening the alumni network, Thomas and the Institutional Advancement team created a role dedicated to that work and hired alumna Lesley Mason in 2024.

As Thomas transitioned to the VP role, she recalls the experience being a seamless one, crediting her time working with Muscat and the solid team they built. She wants to continue fortifying those alumni and donor relationships that will support 黑料专区 for decades to come.

鈥淲hen I think about my vision for these next couple of years, a lot of it is about continuing to build that pride and connection, that community of people that are going to have a shared responsibility for where 黑料专区 goes,鈥� Thomas reiterates. 鈥淚t will lead to philanthropy, but it鈥檚 really about building that community of our biggest fans.鈥�

When Jim Goldwasser鈥檚 three-year-old son darted into a 黑料专区 classroom mid-lecture to wrap himself around his father鈥檚 leg, a photography student captured the moment: a laughing little boy, a delighted professor and a room full of smiling classmates taking in the unexpected happening. The photo lives on in the Goldwasser family album 鈥� an unscripted snapshot of the warmth and humanity that Professor James S. Goldwasser brought to the 黑料专区.

鈥淗e had a genuine interest in his students, a devotion to the classroom, and a deep appreciation for fine literature and well-crafted writing,鈥� recalls his wife, Judy Goldwasser.

Making Writers Visible in an Art & Design College

For three decades, Goldwasser championed the idea that the same thinking process behind writing is not only essential to producing the visual arts, but it also has much in common with the very core of creative output.

As he once wrote in “Topic and Talk,” a publication of the Art School of the Society of Arts and Crafts (the forerunner of today’s 黑料专区):

鈥淭he sound created by walking on the parking lot cinders or the view from the window of a classroom on a spring day may prove to be the original catalyst that produces your photography, your painting or my short story or novel.鈥�

After earning his MFA from the University of Iowa Writers鈥� Workshop 鈥� where he studied under literary greats such as Kurt Vonnegut, Nelson Algren and Richard Yates 鈥� he spent four years teaching English at Wayne State University before he joined 黑料专区. He quickly became part of the 黑料专区 fabric: advising students, chairing the General Studies Department and various committees, and showing up for nearly every exhibition and event throughout Metro Detroit.

Creating a Living Tribute

James S. Goldwasser

Scholarship in Action

This year, Illustration Senior Lily Jarnac captures the empathy and imagination Jim inspired in his classrooms with her winning story, 鈥淭he Glowing Tree.鈥澛� She describes the experience of winning the writing award as a moment of affirmation:

鈥淚鈥檓 very thankful for this award. It is hard for me and for most students to comprehend that they deserve that title, that they are professional artists, writers, or photographers, no longer the children who spent their time admiring the world around them. The Goldwasser Award cemented this idea in my mind. It reminded me that I am allowed to take up space in the creative world, that I am capable enough, and that people might actually care about the words I put on a page. They are words so personal and private that I often forget there is someone out there who feels them as deeply as I do.鈥�

For fellow award winner Fiona McCabe, Concept Design Senior, the recognition brought a new sense of confidence:

鈥淚 have never been a very confident person, always doubting myself and my writing skills. As much as I love writing, I always thought that I didn鈥檛 have what it takes to make compelling stories that people would be invested in. I wasn鈥檛 even going to apply to the Goldwasser writing competition until my professors, friends and family heavily encouraged me to do so. I鈥檓 an artist and designer, and I had begun to think that maybe that鈥檚 all I would ever be good at, that maybe I should just stay in my own lane. But when I was notified that I was a winner, it was an eye-opening moment for me. Winning this award has given me new confidence and shown me that I don鈥檛 have to stay in my lane of visual arts. I can move forward knowing I can expand outward and find success in another form of storytelling that I deeply love.鈥�

Together, their reflections speak to the spirit of the award, encouraging students to trust their voices, take creative risks, and recognize the value of their own storytelling. The award continues the work Jim did best: noticing talent, encouraging creativity and helping writers feel seen.

A Legacy of Presence and Mentorship

Jim鈥檚 students have vivid memories of their times with him both in and outside of the classroom.

鈥淲hen I think of Jim, it鈥檚 always with a smile,鈥� observes Mary Haddad Raveane, Advertising Design BFA ’79, who took several of his classes. 鈥淗e was an integral part of my education, and he had a way of connecting writing to art. His approach to writing in Composition 101 helped me see that writing quick essays was the equivalent of gesture poses in life drawing, and he used the art studio method of having students read each other鈥檚 essays and critique them in class. His American Novels class helped me develop a lifelong love of reading.”

鈥淚n addition to being a great teacher, Jim was a wonderful human being. He had a sparkling, dry wit that was contagious. He was just fun to be around. When we had evening classes, Jim would often join students and Fine Arts faculty members for picnic dinners. I always thought of him as the jovial parent in a group of adolescents.鈥�

Looking Ahead

Now, as 黑料专区 marks the 25th anniversary of the James S. Goldwasser Award for Excellence in Writing, the College celebrates more than a competition. It celebrates a legacy 鈥� one that continues to nurture artists who write, writers who design and creatives who use words to see the world more clearly.

The award stands as a living tribute to Jim鈥檚 life and teaching 鈥� a reminder that words, when chosen with care, have the power to shape not only art, but lives.

For more information about establishing a scholarship or to learn more about the 黑料专区, please contact Katie Rusak at krusak@ccsdetroit.edu or 313.664.7861.

Crystal Windham can still remember the day she decided to attend the 黑料专区 (黑料专区).

鈥淚 was fortunate 鈥� I had excellent college options,鈥� said Windham (Industrial Design 鈥�94). 鈥淢y parents said, 鈥楾his is up to you. This is your decision where you want to go.鈥欌��

Since they鈥檇 saved for her and her brother to attend college, she hadn鈥檛 needed to base her choice on finances. Unlike other schools she was accepted to, 黑料专区 hadn鈥檛 offered an initial scholarship 鈥� although that support would come during the second semester of her freshman year.

Windham always realized what a gift her parents had given her, and she aimed to do the same for her children, both college students. But in 2025, the executive director of Global Industrial Design at General Motors went one step further 鈥� endowing a scholarship to give a talented student the opportunity to realize their dreams at 黑料专区.

Besides the minimum gift requirement, Windham made an additional contribution so the endowment could begin distributing funds right away. She chose to do this with a retention scholarship, meaning it can be renewed for up to three years, helping 黑料专区 retain the student.

Windham felt strongly that the scholarship not fully cover tuition. This was partly inspired by her own work-study experience in the Transportation Design department, which changed the course of her studies 鈥� and her life.

She recalled how one day, Carl Olsen, the department chair, had watched her sketch a still life for homework. He鈥檇 asked, 鈥淗ave you ever thought about drawing cars?鈥�

When she replied that she hadn鈥檛, Olsen had told her that both women and people of color were underrepresented in that design area. He鈥檇 then offered to pay for Windham to take an introduction to automotive drawing class to see if she liked it.

鈥淚 fell in love,鈥� she said of automotive design. 鈥淚t was a product that would impact the lives of so many people. I didn鈥檛 look back from then on.鈥�

Crystal Windham in her current role as Executive Director of Global Industrial Design at GM.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so meaningful to get to a point in life where I could do it, and I have my husband, who supports me,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y children support me. I鈥檝e talked to them, and they understand the importance of this and why I have allocated some of our funds to do that.鈥�

Windham鈥檚 family also understands the impact 黑料专区 has had on her 鈥� something she hasn鈥檛 taken for granted since day one. 鈥淚 still believe choosing 黑料专区 for an art-based career was one of the best decisions I made in my life,鈥� she said.

When Janice passed away in 1989, her family found comfort in the world that had always connected them 鈥� art. Through the Manat Foundation, established by her parents, Natalie and Manny Charach, they began creating spaces where art could uplift others, including the Janice Charach Gallery in West Bloomfield. What began as an act of remembrance became a lifelong family commitment to celebrating creativity as a force for healing, connection and joy.

This year, that legacy has come full circle as the Manat Foundation has made a special gift to 黑料专区 to honor Janice鈥檚 life and her connection to the College, establishing two lasting initiatives: the Charach Family Galleries (formerly Center Galleries) and the Janice Charach Endowed Scholarship for students in the Studio Art & Craft department.

Honoring a Life Through Art

鈥満诹献�区 was where Janice鈥檚 artistic journey began,鈥� said one of Charach鈥檚 cousins. 鈥淪upporting today鈥檚 students and the galleries that showcase their work feels like the most meaningful way to honor her.鈥�

The newly named Charach Family Galleries, located in the Manoogian Visual Resource Center, will continue to serve as a vital exhibition space for 黑料专区 students, faculty, alumni and visiting artists. The Manat Foundation鈥檚 gift provides immediate and ongoing support to enhance lighting, accessibility and the overall visitor experience. An endowed fund will also ensure the galleries鈥� long-term sustainability.

The Charach family鈥檚 decision to support 黑料专区 is rooted in legacy and love. The galleries stand as a tribute to Janice and a living space for creative exchange 鈥� a place where art continues to inspire connection, conversation and community.

A newspaper clipping from Thursday, April 30, 1981, featuring artist Janice Charach next to her painting, “Indonesian Puppets.” The article, titled “Colors are her energy,” promoted her XOCHOPILI art show in Birmingham, MI.

A Family Legacy of Generosity

The story of the Manat Foundation begins with Natalie and Manny Charach, whom their nieces describe as 鈥渆xtraordinary ordinary people.鈥� First-generation Americans of Eastern European Jewish families who put down roots in Detroit, they built their lives through hard work, perseverance and an unwavering belief in helping others.

Manny, a World War II veteran decorated for his service in France, and Natalie, who began working at 13 to help support her family, carried their early experiences of resilience into a lifetime of philanthropy. They founded the Manat Foundation in 1970, naming it for their shared initials, and spent the next five decades supporting causes close to their hearts: children鈥檚 health, education, veterans鈥� services and the arts.

鈥淣atalie and Manny believed their true legacy was their philanthropy,鈥� said their nieces. 鈥淭hey taught all of us that giving back is both a privilege and a responsibility. We are proud to continue their work in ways that reflect who they were and what they valued.鈥�

Natalie and Manny Charach

Investing in the Next Generation

Alongside the gallery endowment, the Janice Charach Endowed Scholarship will provide ongoing support for students in the Studio Art & Craft department 鈥� the same department that nurtured Janice鈥檚 creative beginnings.

鈥淭his scholarship will empower future artists to take creative risks and explore their craft with confidence,鈥� said Valerie Jenkins, Chair of the Studio Art & Craft department. 鈥淭he Charach family鈥檚 generosity sustains the heart of 黑料专区: our students and the spaces where they learn, create and share their voices.鈥�

Speaking on behalf of the College, 黑料专区 President Don Tuski shared his gratitude: 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Charach family and the Manat Foundation for this extraordinary gift. Their generosity honors Janice鈥檚 creative spirit while shaping the future of 黑料专区 in profoundly meaningful ways. By investing in both scholarships and the reimagination of our galleries, the Charach family is ensuring that creativity continues to thrive鈥攐pening doors for emerging artists and enriching the spaces where our community gathers to experience art. This gift embodies the very heart of our mission and will inspire generations to come.鈥�

A Legacy That Lives On

Today, the Manat Foundation completes the philanthropic mission of its founders. These gifts reflect the family鈥檚 shared belief that creativity and compassion are deeply intertwined.

Through this partnership with 黑料专区, that belief finds new life. The Charach Family Galleries and the Janice Charach Endowed Scholarship will ensure that future generations of artists 鈥� much like Janice herself 鈥� can learn, create and grow in an environment that values imagination, generosity and purpose.

Within the walls of the galleries that now bear her family鈥檚 name, Janice鈥檚 spirit endures. Her art, and the legacy it inspired, continue to remind us that creativity has the power to connect, to comfort and to carry us forward.

Photo Credit: Elayne Gross

The 黑料专区 welcomed donors, trustees, alumni, students, faculty and friends to the second annual Donor Appreciation Scholarship Celebration Luncheon on October 7, in the General Motors Auditorium at the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education. The event honored the generosity of those who make scholarships possible and celebrated the creative futures those investments help shape.

Serving as emcee, Katie Rusak, Director of Advancement Operations, opened the program by thanking attendees for their belief in 黑料专区 students and in the power of creativity. 鈥淭his event is about connection,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a celebration of generosity in action, and of the students whose dreams are made possible because of it.鈥�

A Celebration of Commitment and Creativity

Trustee Jody Ingle (鈥�08, Industrial & Product Design) welcomed guests on behalf of the 黑料专区 Board of Trustees, recognizing the importance of scholarships and the community of support behind every student.

鈥淎ny graduate of 黑料专区 will attest, the journey to become a creative professional is not for the faint of heart,鈥� Ingle said. 鈥淓very day, and very likely every night, students at 黑料专区 work. They compete, collaborate and create in a relentless pursuit to express their ideas, to push the boundaries and ultimately make the world a better place.鈥�

His words set the tone for the afternoon, one of shared purpose and pride in 黑料专区鈥� creative community.

President Don Tuski followed with remarks highlighting the enduring impact of donor generosity. 鈥淭his luncheon captures what our College is all about, our students, our alumni, our faculty, and the generosity of donors and partners who believe in the power of creativity,鈥� he said.

Tuski noted that 42 percent of 黑料专区 students graduate with no debt, crediting scholarships for empowering them to take creative risks and pursue careers with confidence. He also shared that emergency retention scholarships recently helped 73 students stay enrolled or graduate, a testament to how donor support changes lives in real time.

鈥淥ur graduates are shaping culture and industry at every level, from Detroit studios to Nike, DreamWorks and beyond,鈥� Tuski said. 鈥淵our support makes those stories possible.鈥�

Honoring the Legacy of Heinz C. Prechter

The luncheon also recognized a transformational moment in 黑料专区鈥� philanthropic story. In 2024, Waltraud 鈥淲ally鈥� Prechter made a $2 million endowed gift in memory of her late husband, Heinz C. Prechter, creating three endowed scholarships that will support generations of 黑料专区 students.

Wally and her daughter Stephanie Prechter spoke movingly about Heinz鈥檚 journey, from his early years in Germany to founding the American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) and revolutionizing the automotive industry.

鈥淗einz was a gifted innovator who believed in continuous improvement and the power of opportunity,鈥� Wally shared. Stephanie reflected on her father鈥檚 creativity, faith and resilience, and on the family鈥檚 ongoing work to advance bipolar research at the University of Michigan. 鈥淲e see his legacy living on through these scholarships,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a gift for us to give back in his name.鈥�

Guests were invited to explore original ASC marketing booklets on display near the entrance and to visit the Designing Detroit exhibition in the Valade Gallery, where a moonroof prototype and motor designed by Heinz is on loan from the Detroit Historical Museum.

Stories of Impact

The luncheon also featured reflections from two scholarship recipients whose stories illustrated how philanthropy directly shapes student success.

Chris Romero Hernandez (鈥�27, Illustration), recipient of the Gilbert Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship, spoke about how the scholarship has lifted financial pressure and given him the confidence to pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry.

鈥淩eceiving this scholarship has had one of the most significant financial impacts on my life,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淚t allowed me to focus more on my studies and less on worrying about how I would pay for college. With this scholarship, I not only gained financial assistance, but also received personal support and confidence in my work.鈥�

He shared that the support has inspired him to aim higher: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been my life鈥檚 dream to work for the Walt Disney Company as a concept artist. This scholarship was my extra push toward that dream 鈥� it was the boost I needed to succeed.鈥�

The Gilbert Family Foundation, a transformational partner for both 黑料专区 and the city of Detroit, has invested deeply in creating multi-year scholarships that remove barriers and open doors for Detroit students to thrive in art and design. Their ongoing support has directly impacted students like Hernandez, whose talent and drive embody the mission of both organizations.

Denaja Smith (鈥�26, Fashion Design), recipient of the Anna Sui Endowed Scholarship, shared her journey of returning to school while working full-time and raising her son.

鈥淏eing chosen for this scholarship made me feel seen,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t gave me the freedom to focus on my art, and it inspired me to want to give back one day, too.鈥�

She reflected on how 黑料专区 has shaped her artistic identity, saying the experience helped her embrace her creativity in new ways and gain confidence as both a designer and an artist. The Anna Sui Endowed Scholarship was established to ensure that future fashion design students at 黑料专区 can pursue their education without financial barriers. Created by celebrated Detroit-born designer Anna Sui, the scholarship reflects her commitment to nurturing new voices in the field and expanding access to design education in her hometown.

The Power of Generosity

In closing, Rusak reflected on the spirit of the day, a gathering that linked legacy, philanthropy and creative ambition. 鈥淵our belief in our students empowers them to believe in themselves,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd their creativity reminds us why generosity matters, because it shapes not just careers, but the world we share.鈥�

The afternoon concluded with conversation, connection and photos 鈥� a celebration of creativity sustained by generosity.

For more information about establishing a scholarship or supporting 黑料专区 students, please contact Katie Rusak at krusak@ccsdetroit.edu or 313.664.7861. View the full photo gallery from the event .

When Dick Ruzzin stepped onto the 黑料专区 campus more than a decade ago to support a design project, he had no idea it would spark a lasting connection with the College 鈥� or that it would eventually inspire him to create the Dick Ruzzin Endowed Scholarship.

Ruzzin, a Michigan State graduate and celebrated automotive designer with decades at General Motors, was invited to help facilitate a collaborative studio between 黑料专区 and a Chinese wheel company exploring U.S. design partnerships. His involvement quickly grew. 鈥淚 thought I was just going to observe a student review,鈥� he recalled with a smile. 鈥淏ut the instructor had me jump right in.鈥�

That moment 鈥� and what happened next 鈥� would stay with him.

鈥淚 saw a young guy from Detroit rush in to set up his project. He鈥檇 been working and couldn鈥檛 take time off.

I thought here鈥檚 someone trying so hard 鈥� that鈥檚 who I want to help.鈥�

Years later, when he considered giving back, that memory became the driving force.

鈥淭he students that I want to help are the ones who can鈥檛 afford it when they get close to graduation. The ones who get down to the end and don鈥檛 have enough money. That was the inspiration, where the idea came from.鈥�

Creating Access for Talent That Belongs

With the help of 黑料专区鈥檚 advancement staff, Ruzzin established what began as an annual scholarship and later evolved into a permanent endowed fund. His intent was clear: to support committed, creative students who might otherwise be forced to leave their education behind.

Though not a 黑料专区 alum himself, Ruzzin has long admired the College鈥檚 impact. 鈥淓very time I visit campus, I see something that jumps me into the future. You take a step forward as a designer,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing.鈥�

Scholarship in Action: Martina鈥檚 Story

Martina Lasku

Martina Lasku’s Work

A Legacy of Generosity and Mentorship

Over the years, Ruzzin has mentored numerous young designers, both formally and informally 鈥� often encouraging them to pursue their creative dreams against the odds. He believes in the power of sharing knowledge, asking for help, and staying connected through community.

鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing more fun to me than meeting and talking with another designer,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou share a tremendous history. You understand each other.鈥�

He also believes authenticity is more important than ever.

鈥淲e鈥檙e inundated with information, and a lot of it鈥檚 phony. Authenticity matters 鈥� it鈥檚 everything.鈥�

Looking Ahead

From his work on iconic vehicles at GM to authoring a book on design leadership, Dick Ruzzin has spent a lifetime shaping the creative world. But what gives him joy now is helping students launch their own journeys.

鈥淭hese young people are launching their lives. If I can support someone who deserves to be there 鈥� who just needs that extra help 鈥� I鈥檓 glad to do it.鈥�

For more information about establishing a scholarship or to learn more about the 黑料专区, please contact Katie Rusak at krusak@ccsdetroit.edu or 313.664.7861.

Photo Credit: Lesley Mason ’00 Photography

At a recent donor appreciation luncheon hosted by the 黑料专区, donors and scholarship recipients gathered in the General Motors Auditorium at the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education to celebrate the transformative power of education 鈥� and the generosity that makes it possible. Held on October 22, the event provided a meaningful platform for heartfelt connections between those who give and those who benefit from their support.

Jim Nicholson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, spoke about the profound impact philanthropy has on the college community. 鈥淓very scholarship represents a story of hope and ambition,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 our responsibility to invest in these talented individuals who will shape the future of our industries. Your contributions are not just financial support, they are lifelines that help students reach their full potential.鈥�

As attendees listened, they were reminded of the difference philanthropy makes for students navigating the challenges of college. Guests heard firsthand how scholarships have transformed lives, opening doors to education and brighter futures.

A senior scholarship recipient at 黑料专区 shared how pivotal his scholarship has been to his journey. 鈥淎bout four years ago, I didn鈥檛 think I would have the opportunity to graduate from 黑料专区鈥� I genuinely had no clue how I would afford college, much less a school as prestigious as this one.鈥� Now on track to graduate in 2025, he expressed deep gratitude for the experiences his scholarship made possible, from studying abroad to gaining skills and mentors that have 鈥渃hanged the trajectory鈥� of his life. 鈥淭his career path wouldn鈥檛 have been possible without donors taking a chance on me,鈥� he said, adding that he hopes to one day support students just as he has been supported.

For him and many others, scholarship support has been the difference between dreams deferred and dreams realized. Another scholarship recipient shared her journey to 黑料专区, recalling both the excitement of her acceptance and the sense of relief that came with receiving scholarship support. Receiving the Alumni Scholarship, she said, was the moment she could finally focus on what truly mattered: making art. 鈥淭hanks to your generosity, I鈥檓 able to accomplish what I鈥檓 really at 黑料专区 to do: make art 鈥� I鈥檓 forever grateful that you choose to value our education, our artmaking and our financial success as young adults.鈥�

黑料专区 President Don Tuski emphasized the vital role scholarships play in shaping students鈥� futures. 鈥淚鈥檝e witnessed firsthand the profound impact that scholarships have on our students鈥� lives. Your support not only lightens their financial load but empowers them to explore their full potential and push the boundaries of creativity,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭oday, we celebrate not just education, but the transformative role that creativity plays in shaping our future.鈥�

Tessa Semma Jarbo, whose sister Kacy Semma Hall graduated from 黑料专区 in 2006, spoke movingly about the inspiration behind the scholarship that honors her sister鈥檚 memory. 鈥淜acy鈥檚 cancer diagnosis became an invaluable lesson that life is not guaranteed for anyone and time is our most precious resource,鈥� Jarbo shared. In establishing the Kacy Semma Memorial Scholarship, she and her husband Johnny sought to pay tribute to Kacy鈥檚 鈥渃reative spirit and commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and designers.鈥� She expressed their hope that the scholarship will 鈥渘ot only provide resources but also inspire recipients to give back to the creative community, continuing the cycle of inspiration that Kacy started.鈥�

Katie Rusak, 黑料专区 Director of Advancement, echoed the importance of connecting donors with the students they support. 鈥淭hese moments of connection are what it鈥檚 all about,鈥� Rusak shared. 鈥淵our support not only provides critical financial assistance but inspires our students to pursue their passions and dreams. We are here to recognize the profound impact scholarships have on our students鈥� lives, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.鈥�

In closing, Rusak expressed heartfelt appreciation: 鈥淥n behalf of the entire 黑料专区 community, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you,鈥� she said. 鈥淵our belief in our mission and in our students makes all the difference. You empower students to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial worry, and for that, we are forever grateful.鈥�

For more information about establishing a scholarship or to learn more about the 黑料专区, please contact Katie Rusak at krusak@ccsdetroit.edu or 313.664.7861. Photos from the event can be viewed