Jackson News Briefs September 27, 2024

Spring Arbor University Announces Launch of Historic Fundraising Campaign

Whiteman Gibbs Science Center.  Photo courtesy SAU.

Spring Arbor University this week announced the official launch of Ignite, the comprehensive campaign to raise funds for the expansion and modernization of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, continued growth of SAU’s endowment, and support of the university’s annual fund, the Arbor Fund.

The SAU Board of Trustees led by campaign steering committee co-chairs Robert Gould & Sherry Roe-Gould and Ron & Marvel Jones announced the public launch of the Ignite campaign, setting the campaign goal at $80 million. The evening concluded with the official groundbreaking ceremony in front of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, home to SAU’s natural sciences, math, computer science, and theology departments for over 50 years.

Through the Ignite campaign, SAU alumni and friends invest in the next generation of industry and community leaders through their giving to the university. Generous philanthropists provide opportunities for students from all walks of life to receive a rigorous education with Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning. The proposed modernization and expansion of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center will grow the STEM programs at SAU and increase collaboration among these disciplines. A successful campaign will also provide a state-of-the-art facility for STEM programs, enrich the student experience, provide opportunities for enrollment growth, and better equip students pursuing a career in a STEM field.

President Brent Ellis commented, “I’m incredibly excited about what this update in facilities and classrooms will do for our students who are looking for a Christ-centered education in the sciences, and for our faculty to have the resources needed to teach using industry-standard tools. We’re excited for the kingdom work that will be done when the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center is completed.”

With a campaign goal of $80 million, Ignite is the largest comprehensive campaign in SAU’s over 150-year history. Through the generosity of almost 6,000 donors so far during the campaign, funds raised to date exceed $61 million.

“While we’ve done campaigns to raise money previously at Spring Arbor University, we are so grateful to the donors that have made this mission possible and we continue to invite donors and alumni to grow deep roots with us at SAU through their giving,” said Doug Wilcoxson, Executive Vice President.

For more information about the Ignite Campaign, please visit www.sauignite.org

Governor Whitmer Appoints Michael Bannasch to the Michigan Tax Tribunal 

Michael Bannasch

Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Michael Bannasch, of Jackson,  to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

Michael Bannasch is a certified public accountant and the state and local tax senior manager at RKL LLC. Michael Bannasch received his Bachelor of Arts in accounting and business administration from Spring Arbor University and a Master of Science in taxation from Grand Valley State University. Michael Bannasch is appointed as a certified public accountant for a term commencing September 26, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Bernard Copping, whose term has expired.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal’s appeals involve property tax, but the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes.

TRUECCU Partnered with Nuestra Comunidad To Provide $20,000 For Scholarships

2024 Scholarship Recipients.  Photo courtesy TRUE Community Credit Union.

TRUE Community Credit Union is proud to support local students by partnering with Nuestra Comunidad to provide $20,000 for scholarships.

“Investing in our local students is an investment in legacy-defining moments as well as our community’s future,” said TRUECCU President and CEO Chrissy Siders. “We’re proud to partner with Nuestra Comunidad to provide $20,000 in scholarships, partnering with, and empowering the next generation to write a life story that stretches beyond their imaginations.”

Applicants had to meet eligibility requirements, which included being a recent graduate of a Jackson or Lenawee County school, having one or both parents of Hispanic or LatinX decent, and being enrolled in or planning to enroll in a 2–4-year institution, trade or apprentice program.

TRUECCU presented the check to the 2024 recipients during the Jackson Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 14.

American 1 Credit Union Announces 2024 Teacher Grant Recipients

American 1 Credit Union pledged $5,000 to their annual Teacher Grant Program, awarding ten educators with $500 each for classroom needs and improvements.

The Teacher Grant Program aligns with the credit union’s Key Giving Areas: Partnership & Involvement, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and People & Communities.

“At American 1, our mission is to foster financial wellness within our communities, including supporting educators and local schools,” said Haley Hemmig, Community Partnership Manager for American 1. “Teachers often spend their own hard-earned money to equip their students with the tools they need to succeed. This grant was created to ease that financial burden and provide teachers with opportunities to explore new and creative ways to engage students while teaching them valuable skills.”

Since its inception in 2004, the American 1 Educational Grant program has awarded $266K in grants and scholarships to 277 teachers and students from Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Wayne, Monroe and Calhoun counties.

“We are constantly seeking new ways to invest in our community,” remarked Kelly Grygiel, Vice President of Communications for American 1. “The Teacher Grant Program offers us a unique way to support education in a meaningful way.”

Additionally, the American 1 Financial Wellness Department regularly visits local schools and youth organizations to teach crucial financial skills, equipping students for long-term success and further demonstrating American 1’s dedication to education.

The recipients of the American 1 Teacher Grants are:

• Amanda Grabowski, Addison Elementary School
• Lexus Baxendale, Battle Creek Central High School
• Tina Slater, Onsted Elementary School
• Taylor Hopp-Lee, Bishop Elementary School
• Lilly Rockwell, Concord Elementary School
• Marnie Hade, Northwest High School
• Dawn Miller, East Jackson Elementary and Secondary School
• Janessa Olack, Paddock Elementary School
• Amanda Belle Mann, Owen High School
• Missi Lyn Hines, Northeast Elementary School

TRUE Community Credit Union Assists Interns with Financial Literacy Requirements

TRUE Community Credit Union was excited to partner with Grow Jackson and their Urban Agriculture Intern Workforce Development Program this summer. TRUECCU provided financial literacy pieces to accompany the Roots of Success Curriculum, a ten-module program that the interns must complete.

“Our TRUE team members, Sarah Fuller, Financial Education Coordinator, and Juarie Jordan, Member Advisor, were excited to invest in these young adults by providing education and coaching to assist them in developing life-long money management skills,” said TRUECCU Financial Education Manager Kelly Hatler. “Our partnership with Grow Jackson has been a great opportunity to support the needs of our community and cultivate legacy-defining moments for the interns as they set goals and navigate decisions regarding their career path and financial future.”

The TRUE team members provided four financial education lessons for the interns that included goal setting, budgeting, credit, and loan fundamentals; and provided additional information and resources TRUE offers. The Grow Jackson interns also received four one-on-one coaching sessions to help guide them toward a $1,000 savings goal. Those who were able to reach the goal at the end of the internship received a $1,000 match from TRUE.

“Having this incredible support from TRUE Community Credit Union made an overwhelming difference for our program,” said Grow Jackson Founder and Executive Director Jacob Inosencio. “Many of the interns in the program this summer had a job and an income for the first time. Getting exposure to these formative financial literacy education opportunities made a tremendous impact on their habits and their future decisions. This was truly a defining moment in their lives and we are so grateful to TRUE for their investment in the future of our intern team.”

Grow Jackson is a 501^©3 nonprofit that empowers the community through fresh food, education, and community gardens. Urban Agriculture Intern Workforce Development Program interns are recent high school graduates who will complete the Department of Labor certified Roots of Success Curriculum to earn a Pre-Apprenticeship in Environmental Literacy, which exposes the interns to local STEM job opportunities. Aside from basic labor in the garden, the inters provide education to younger students and individuals in other community programs, as well as delivery of fresh produce grown in local community gardens to food insecure members throughout the community. The interns were employed through Michigan Works! Southeast.

Karla Mullaly Joins Southern Michigan Bank & Trust

Karla Mullaly

Brandy Titus, 1^st VP Regional Mortgage Sales Manager of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust (SMBT), has announced the appointment of Karla Mullaly as VP, Mortgage Loan Officer for the Hillsdale market. Mullaly brings over 15 years of experience in mortgage lending and underwriting to her new role with Southern.

A graduate of Jonesville High School, Mullaly earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. She began her banking career as a Mortgage Underwriter/Processor and Manager before transitioning to the role of Mortgage Loan Officer, where she has built a strong reputation with local referral partners.

Mullaly resides in Reading with her husband, Shawn, and their two children. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and supporting her kids in their sports activities. She also teaches a first-time homebuyer class in partnership with the Community Action Agency.

“We are thrilled to welcome Karla to the Retail Lending team at Southern,” said Titus. “With her extensive industry knowledge and deep understanding of the local market, she is well-positioned to guide our clients through the home-buying process. Her personalized approach and strong community ties will be an invaluable asset to both the bank and our customers.”