DOWAGIAC — Southwestern Michigan College honored retirees, acknowledged professional degrees and certifications by employees and revealed the Staff Member of the Year at SMC’s fifth annual Employee of the Year recognition breakfast at Mathews Conference Center West on the Dowagiac campus.

Master of Ceremonies Dr. Joe Odenwald, SMC Vice President of Student Services, recognized retirees Sue Schmeichel, 22 years; Joanne Strebeck, 14 years; Dave Spurlock, 20 years; Mike McGowan, nine years; Char McGowan, 18 years; Bill Boeckmann, two years; and Karen Weber, 12 years.

Odenwald also acknowledged professional degrees and certification achievements by Rachel Breden, Elva Whaley, Dan Miles, Jorge Ramos-Lopez, Karissa Light, Jeran Culina, Joe Coti, Dan Johnson, Donna Courtney, Andrew Dohm, Dr. Melissa Kennedy, John Lanham, Carlyn McClelland, Dr. Lynda Pence, Jennifer Senger, Gail Shirey, Ria Thomas, Amber Villwock, Jennifer Wolf, Tiffany Brooks, Julie Zabriskie, Patrick Chenault, Dr. Barbara Karwacinski and Kyle Kelly.

Dowagiac City Councilwoman Danielle Lucas was announced as SMC’s Staff Member of the Year for her performance in the Financial Aid office.

Her nominator said Lucas “is one of the most easy-going and approachable people I’ve ever met, let alone worked with. She has such an in-depth understanding of financial aid and excels at communicating that knowledge with our department. You would never know if she was stressed out or facing serious pressure because of her calm demeanor. She is the engine that keeps Financial Aid running smoothly with all the hard work she does behind the scenes.

“Her commitment doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock, either. As a City Council member, she keeps everyone up to date on the latest happenings in the community and encouraging others to attend local events in town. As a member of the college’s Wellness Committee, she helps coordinate and offer various activities in which SMC employees participate, including chair massages, poker walks and the Employee Olympics.”

Lucas received a monetary award from SMC, presented by President Dr. David Mathews.

Mike O’Brien, vice president of marketing and enrollment, introduced staff nominees, who also included Kathie Gries, Career Planning Center manager; Katie Hannah, academic advisor; Cathy Luthringer, student support services at the Niles Campus; and Chris Smith, academic administration.

SMC is a public, residential and commuter community college founded in 1964. The college delivers above-average graduation/transfer rates compared to other community colleges nationally and student college-level course success that is consistently in the top 25 percent of two-year colleges nationally. SMC strives to be the college of first choice, to provide the programs and services that meet the needs of students and to serve our community, according to officials. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.