Alumni

Students seated at tables in a classroom

HawkStrong: Shiyma Abdullah chooses “most rewarding profession” as a teacher

Aspiring teacher Shiyma Abdullah had already decided teaching was her future. At HFC, she gained even more enthusiasm for the profession, with a goal to become a school principal.
Robert Yahrmatter new Interim Dean of SOLA, effective August 1, 2022.

Yahrmatter takes over as SOLA interim dean; Smyrski returns to the classroom

Effective August 1, Robert Yahrmatter, an HFC alumnus, will become the Interim Dean. The College is grateful to Larry Smyrski for his interim leadership this past 18 months.
Hawkster and HFC Student Success Navigator Ashlei Chears.

Get to Know HFC: Ashlei Chears earns certificates to become a more inclusive advisor

HFC Student Success Navigator Ashlei Chears wants to help historically underserved students achieve their academic goals.
HFC alum and Vietnam veteran Ronald Brooks.

Vietnam combat veteran helps other veterans find support

HFC alumnus and Vietnam veteran Ronald Brooks suffered multiple wounds. His experiences after returning home inspired him to devote his time to helping other veterans.
A photo of Troy Gibson holding rainbow flags

Get to Know HFC: Troy Gibson amplifies service and inclusion

Troy Gibson provides advising, guidance, and many kinds of support to HFC students.
James Knittel, new police chief of Plymouth Township.

HFC alumnus becomes Plymouth Township’s new police chief

Plymouth Township's new law enforcement leader, a proud HFC alumnus, wants to build on the established base of community policing and service.
Photo of Paul Antolin getting sworn in.

HFC alumnus Paul Antolin appointed Grosse Pointe Woods City Clerk

Taekwondo black belt and first-generation American citizen Paul Antolin advances his career with a promotion to Grosse Pointe Woods City Clerk.
A photo of Dr. Ali Hariri and family.

Get to Know HFC: Math instructor Dr. Ali Hariri’s family has deep HFC ties

Since 2000, Dr. Ali Hariri has taught engineering and math classes at HFC on a regular basis. He, along with his wife and four daughters, have taken classes at HFC too.
D. Mark Hall, lab technician at HFC for the Telecommunication program.

Get to Know HFC: D. Mark Hall is a Marine, producer, and teacher

As a lab technician at HFC, D. Mark Hall enjoys mentoring students. He hopes to return to his alma mater to teach in the telecommunication program, which he believes is his calling.
Graduation regalia photograph of Rola Hariri.

HawkPride: from dual enrollment to doctorate

Dr. Rola A. Hariri, who recently earned her doctorate in pharmacy from Wayne State University, was once a math tutor in HFC's Learning Lab.
Erica Davenport

HFC prepared student for grad school at Wayne State, where she graduated magna cum laude

HFC prepared Erica Davenport for graduate school and ignited a passion for writing she never knew she had.

Byron Brooks earns DEI Certificate from Rackham Graduate School; continues social justice work

Byron Brooks adds a new certification from U-M to his list of significant academic accomplishments.
A head shot of Tracy Gardner next to the cover of her novel, "Ruby Red Herring"

Alumna’s mystery novel nominated for Edgar Award, named to NYPL’s Best 100 list

Edgar-nominated mystery author and HFC alumna Tracy Gardner has been a nurse for 30 years. Being nominated for the prestigious award has been a highlight of her writing career.
HFC alumna Salwa Mawari and her book "Under the Sana'a Skyline".

HawkPride: HFC alumna publishes her first children’s book

In her children's book, Salwa Mawari takes pride in portraying an underrepresented community in Yemen in a positive light.
Tung Luu, HFC alumnus serves Asian cuisine at his restaurant.

Hawk Pride: Culinary artist opens his own restaurant

The Chopstix in Livonia, owned by HFC alum Tung Luu, serves Asian cuisine. Its specialties include pho and sushi.
A headshot of Lori Grande-Swiatkowski and her book.

Retired HFC instructor writes about amazing experiences as a nurse

Lori Grande-Swiatkowski writes about her professional experiences witnessing what she regards a miraculous events.
Lasonia Gentle portrait

HawkStrong: Lasonia Gentle uplifts fellow graduates with commencement poem

Lauded by professors for her optimism and drive, graduating student Lasonia Gentle looks forward to pursuing a career in social work. She reads her commencement-inspired poem for other graduates.
Campus Safety Division Secretary Sarah Sullivan.

Get to Know HFC: Sarah Sullivan was born to sparkle

Campus Safety Division Secretary Sarah Sullivan always has a cheerful demeanor, which helps with the many responsibilities of her job.
Henry Ford College alum Carlo J. Martina

HawkStrong: a long and rewarding legal career began at HFC

Army Air Corps Veteran and attorney Carlo Martina translated his diverse experiences at HFC into an ethics-based legal career.
A headshot of Gail Bock.

Get to Know HFC: Gail Bock has a passion for helping veterans

For Gail Bock, it's an honor and privilege to help HFC's military-connected students with all their college-related needs, connect them with support networks, and provide a kind listening ear.
Seina Heights University logo.

Siena Heights University offers Get Started Grant for HFC grads

Get Started Grant provides up to $1,000 for HFC graduates who enroll at SHU in the summer and fall semesters.
screenshot of a transcript

New Transcript processing service launched

HFC launches new and improved transcript service.
An image of a business person raising their hand during a presentation.

Students and alumni: attend the WSJ Jobs Summit April 12

For recent graduates and those who are looking to change careers, you might want to attend the WSJ Jobs Summit on April 12.
A headshot of Connie Holland.

Get to Know HFC: Connie Holland personifies our Welcoming College

Connie Holland takes initiative to provide personalized service to students and employees at the Welcome Center.