BY KATHY KANE
Dearborn-based Henry Ford College, a popular commuter-school destination for area residents, turned 80 years old last month. The school’s administrators and educators celebrated with a gala at The Henry, Autograph Collection Hotel in Dearborn.
Guests were treated to an upscale event with history of the college with John McDonald, the president and chief negotiator for the American Federation of Teacher Local 1650, which represents the college’s instructors; A. Reginald Best Jr., vice president of institutional advancement; Russell A. Kavalhuna, the college’s president; and special remarks from Henry Ford III, the great-grandson of Edsel Ford.
The gala was created to support funding for student scholarships.
“It is because of funding from this program that we have been able to help so many students.” Kavalhuna said.
At an economical rate of $100 per credit hour, the scholarship program helped more than 300 students last year.
“One student simply could not afford housing but was sincere and motivated in his student efforts. When we met with him he was living out of his car. The scholarship provided his housing and meals to get him back on his feet that semester and now he is a successful journeyman.”
The college prides itself on workforce development, offers bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and partnerships spanning centuries with businesses, particularly Ford Motor Co., who have supported the college from the beginning and continue to do so today.
Officials said it is their mission to empower learners, through the development of independent, critical and creative thinking and foster diversity, inclusion and understanding and acceptance to prepare learners to succeed in a global society.