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DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College, “a good idea that got loose in the world,” celebrated its 60th anniversary Nov. 1 with the inaugural Founders Day.

Chloe Itimu, who aspires to become a pediatrician in her native Malawi, spoke as a student benefiting from support from the Aline Ahrens Memorial and Grady scholarships.

Majoring in biology medical pre-professional, she was born and raised in Lilongwe, Malawi.

“I never imagined I’d be standing here, pursuing my dreams in the United States. Initially, the transition was daunting. As an African living in America, I felt isolated and struggled to find my footing. I learned culture shock is real.

“But SMC welcomed me with open arms,” the Black Student Union vice president said, “providing a sense of home and community. The warmth and kindness I received reminded me of the hometown I missed so dearly. SMC taught me that leadership is more than standing in front of a group and instructing them, it’s about serving, listening and empowering others.”

As a pediatrician, she hopes to build health care facilities, providing quality care to children and boosting the economy. “Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles children face without access to health care. ‘Charity begins at home’ is a phrase I never truly understood until I left home. I have encountered many heart-wrenching experiences especially in regard to child health in my country.

“From children hanging on for dear life due to malnutrition-related illnesses to children with tumors from unknown causes to children dying from a cholera outbreak, to babies born with HIV, and, finally, to disabled children roaming the streets, begging for money to pay for treatments, I know I have not even seen the worst of it all. There is so much more suffering that could only be imagined. But one thing I know for sure is that I will be the change I desire to see.”

“I am happy I chose SMC to be a stepping-stone to my future,” Itimu said. “It is not only the college’s commitment to community, diversity and student success that resonates deeply with me but the dedication to providing financial assistance to its students.

“The children I will save, the hospitals I will build, the lives I will touch and change, the treatments I will introduce will be made possible because you once decided to change this student’s life.

“To the donors and supporters, I extend heartfelt gratitude. Your contributions enable students like me to achieve our goals. Your legacy lives on through us, inspiring us to pay it forward. I hope to follow your generous example by donating to the college myself one day.”

SMC’s first student, Dr. Bruce Watson, who went on to become a school superintendent in three districts, accepted an Outstanding Alumnus Award from Chairman Tom Jerdon.

Watson recalled college origins, from the Committee of 50’s barnstorming campaign led by first chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews to voter approval on Nov. 3, 1964.

“The millage passed to fund the college by a 2-1 margin, which is unheard of,” Watson said, noting 93 graduated in the first class.

“I went on to Western Michigan University,” he said. “I taught on the other side of the state, got my master’s degree, came back to Dowagiac and coached (Jerdon) and David Mathews in tennis. I brought the skills I learned here at SMC” to being a superintendent after initially intending to become an accountant.

President Dr. Joe Odenwald, whose 42nd birthday coincided with opening victories by both basketball teams following the pasta luncheon in Mathews Conference Center East, introduced dignitaries: Jerdon, a 1984 graduate, a trustee since 1991 and in his 10th year leading the board; Treasurer Becky Moore, SMC graduate and a trustee since 2012; Skip Dyes, SMC graduate and a trustee since 2023; former trustee Keith McKenzie, who served 36 years; spouses of former presidents, Camille Briegel (David was the fifth, 1981-1998; Jackie Bishop (Dr. Marshall was the sixth, 1998-2001); retired professor Dr. Mary Young-Marcks, a faculty member for a record 40 years; Jeanne Richmond, former chief information officer who first joined SMC in 1986; and Linda Campbell, whose husband Dean of Financial Aid Robert retired in 2001 after 28 years at SMC.

“Founders Day provides another opportunity to add a tradition to our college calendar,” said Odenwald, whose wife, Laura, also attended. “We just had the 50th Steve’s Run. Our annual holiday band and choir concert has been a staple for decades. We added Welcome Week and the Jolly Jamboree lighting SMC’s holiday tree in 2018, the New Student Convocation in 2019 and graduation in Alumni Plaza in 2021.

Organizer and 2016 graduate Emily Schrock, alumni relations and development coordinator since 2021, said, “A dream of providing ‘Knowledge for All’ turned into SMC. I have new appreciation for those who laid the foundation for thousands of people to obtain higher education and, ultimately, to better their lives and the lives around them.

“Take a moment to think of the impact this one dream had on all of us and for all of those who come after. Students who come here are able to go anywhere. When we invest in our students, and break down financial barriers, it means a brighter, more prosperous future for our entire community.”