Alumni

Headshot of Stef Blackburn

Stef Blackburn revived the National Society of Leadership and Success, HFC chapter

After two stints at HFC and hands-on leadership experiences, Stef Blackburn is ready to achieve her aspirations in life.
Photo of Ziyad Muflahi, Henry Ford College alumnus.

Alumnus earns NASA Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellowship

Ziyad Muflahi, whose studies of writing and reading comprehension at HFC were critical to his success, became the first Wayne State psych student and first HFC alumnus to earn the NASA grant.
Headshots of Dave Acosta and Saladin Ahmed.

Alumnus publishes new series through Image Comics, including “underground Michigan element”

**Book signing May 24**: Eisner-winning writer and HFC alumnus Saladin Ahmed, who has written the Adventures of Spider-Man, launches a new comic series from Image.
Santos Alvarez photo

HFC alumnus is the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree

HFC paved the way for Santos Alvarez to become the first in his family to earn a bachelor's degree.
HFC alumna Sarah Williams and her husband Jay are opening a new indie bookstore in Detroit called "Next Chapter Books".

Alumna opens indie bookstore in Detroit’s East English Village neighborhood

After being a finalist in an entrepreneurship contest, the Williams found the impetus to expand and move their bookstore to East English Village this summer.
President Kavalhuna with Kelsey Hudie

HFC alumna’s uplifting story about getting diploma while going into labor makes national news (video)

Determined to walk across the stage to get her diploma, despite going into labor, Kelsey Hudie's inspirational story has made national headlines.
Jeremy Palmer playing a piano.

Get to Know HFC: Jeremy Palmer finds music creative and educational

Music therapist Jeremy Palmer loves all aspects of music, and enjoys creating and learning alongside students.
Chloe Doherty speaking

Skilled trades industry is a natural path for Chloe Doherty

HFC alumna Chloe Doherty is transitioning from apprenticeship to a full-time position at ZOLLER, Inc. in Ann Arbor.
HFC alumna Safa Hijazi and faculty Ruth Ann Schmitt.

HFC alumna Safa Hijazi wins U-M’s Keith Taylor Excellence in Poetry Award

HFC alumna enters her first poetry competition and wins for her collection of poetry called “Let Us Get Lost in the Valleys.”
Cathy Gangarossa portrait.

Nursing instructor Cathy Gangarossa retires from HFC: “Be that difference for someone”

After 18 years of teaching at HFC, Cathy Gangarossa moves on to the next chapter in her life, which will continue to include serving others.
Sam Baydoun in his office

Alumnus Sam Baydoun earns Century 21 Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame Award

After 37 years in real estate, HFC alumnus Sam Baydoun earns International Hall of Fame Award from Century 21.
Headshot of Gabriel McDonald.

Gabriel McDonald is a fierce advocate for manufacturing and trades

An HR specialist for BASF Wyandotte, HFC alumnus Gabriel McDonald says HFC has provided a reliable talent pipeline to better lives.
Game action vs. Davidson-Davie

Hawks finish national tournament with 2-2 record

The men's basketball team finished the national tournament in 6th place, following a double-overtime loss to #1 seed Davidson-Davie.
A headshot of Munira Kassim.

Get to Know HFC: Munira Kassim is a student advocate and HFC Title IX coordinator

Munira Kassim works hard to be an advocate and resource for students, faculty, and staff. She is also responsible for Title IX compliance.
A headshot of Nichole Sadek.

HFC alumna Nichole Sadek specializes in small business law

The founder of Sadek Law, PLC in Grand Rapids, Nichole Sadek learned a lot through her HFC Honors experiences. She now helps entrepreneurs find their way.
Headshot of Dan Fayad.

Fayad joins Dearborn Education Foundation Board of Directors

HFC alumnus and Fairlane Town Center GM gives back to the community by advancing education.
Debi and Mark on Wheel of Fortune

“Pat, I’d like to buy a vowel”: HFC alumni win on “Wheel of Fortune”

Debi and Mark Beier, who met at HFC in the 1970s, won a trip and cash during a wild ride on "Wheel of Fortune."
M-Connect logo

M-Connect presents: “Making the Leap: student perspectives on transferring to a university”

Gain valuable insight on what it is like to transfer to U-M or another 4-year university at M-Connect's student panel discussion March 23.
One of Nancy Knapp's paintings.

Nature’s beauty featured in Nancy Knapp’s artwork

Alumna Nancy Knapp continues following her passion for art, more than 40 years after completing her studies at HFC.
A headshot of Gary Enos.

HFC alumnus gives back as restaurateur and city councilman

Gary Enos, co-owner of Falls Sports Lounge in Dearborn, recently began a 2-year term as a member of the Dearborn City Council.
Portrait of Barry Walter.

Governor appoints HFC alumnus to MVFA to serve veterans

HFC alumnus Barry F. Walter, who served in Vietnam, has been involved in veterans affairs for more than 40 years. He says his HFC advisors made sure every class would be beneficial to his career.
Various tools and construction helmet on desk.

HFC Partners Breakfast focuses on skilled trades

Join us at the annual partners breakfast to hear HFC faculty and alumni speak about careers in the skilled trades.
Portrait of John Toon.

HawkPride: From architecture to acting -- on a national level

HFC Theatre alumnus John Toon has guest-starred on "The Equalizer," "American Horror Story," and "FBI." He loves the acting life.
Sharon Pearl Picking and film critic Leonard Maltin.

Get to Know HFC: Sharon Pearl Picking has a passion for higher education and classic movies

Sharon Pearl Picking's love of history, historical places, and film has no boundaries.