By Staff
Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees reviewed the annual performance report of the Museum at SMC, listened to a presentation concerning upcoming continuing education opportunities for emergency medical personnel, awarded service pins, accepted gifts and grants and conducted other business at its regular meeting Tuesday on the Dowagiac campus.
Museum Director Ann Thompson reported on the accomplishments of the SMC museum during the past 12 months.
During the past year, the museum accepted more than 300 objects from local donors, produced and/or displayed six new exhibits and hosted thousands of area school children with educational programs, including programs on American Indians of Dowagiac, Girl Scout badge programs and hands-on science training.
More than 8,000 visitors took advantage of museum programs on-site this year and another 9,700 were served by off-site services.
Museum membership showed an increase of 7.3 percent.
According to Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Fred L. Mathews, "The SMC museum preserves our community's local history for generations to come. Exhibits are interesting for people of all ages. Several years ago, the Board of Trustees established a no-admission fee policy so that all families can enjoy the local history exhibits. The museum teaches local history as well as science principles in a hands-on way that is engaging, making this a great asset to area schools for student field trips.
"The Board of Trustees appreciates the contributions of artifacts from local residents, and also appreciates the large number of dedicated community volunteers who work in the museum throughout the year, making this community resource possible."
SMC's Dean of Nursing and Human Services Elaine Foster outlined for the board the final plans for an upcoming Emergency Medical Services (EMS) "Blitz" Weekend of training Oct. 1 and 2 on the Dowagiac campus.
EMS personnel are required to take continuing education to maintain their licensure.
The price for continuing education can be very costly, and can often require traveling to a larger city. Previously, there has not been a local organization offering continuing education to EMS personnel on a regular basis.
Now, SMC's School of Nursing and Human Services has developed this program in partnership with two local ambulance services, Medic One and Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Services at a price that all can afford.