When Randy Bangs studied in Belgium with Flor Peeters, a well-known composer with a penchant for innovation, he influenced not only her approach to the keyboard but to teaching her future students as well.

“I learned that Beethoven broke all the rules of composition,” says Bangs, “and that he believed that all people should live in peace and harmony.”

Both come into play in Bangs’ teaching philosophy.  Whether it’s the piano or the introduction to the arts course, both of which she teaches at Macomb, she regards each student as an individual and each class as a new adventure, deserving of fresh ideas.

“I had one professor at Wayne State who lectured from the same yellowed notes that he had been using for years,” relates Bangs, who has taught at Macomb for 12 years. “But I am always asking myself how can I change my approach to engage my students? How do I keep them excited about coming to class?”

For Bangs, the answer is, in part, using technology.  The intro to the arts course she teaches is a hybrid, which she credits Stuart Scott, fellow humanities professor, for developing.  The subject matter lends itself easily to visual cues, which are most effective in engaging students accustomed to social media’s transient images.

“They are visual learners,” offers Bangs.  “We can talk about short attention spans or we can work with those attention spans and, perhaps, get them more excited about what they are learning.”

With her piano students, the greater challenge is helping first timers overcome their fears.

“They start cautious and nervous and tell me ‘I would like to learn piano,’” relates Bangs. “The look on their faces when they play their first few notes is so exciting.  Piano as a group activity can be a lot of fun.”

Bangs, however, began with private lessons after returning from school one day to discover a piano in the living room and her mother explaining to her father that their young daughter was going to learn to play. Turns out Bangs loved it and, like her hero Beethoven, she learned to play the organ as well.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Wayne State University and master’s and doctoral degrees, in music performance and music education, respectively, from the University of Miami.

“Professor Peeters is responsible for me going to Miami,” explains Bangs, “to study with one of his former students.”

Bangs stayed in Florida for more than two decades, teaching both organ and piano for Dade County Public Schools before returning to Michigan when her father became ill.  After spending summers in Mexico as a teenager, travelling to China and living in Europe, she has seen many places.  Vienna, where both Beethoven and Mozart lived and are buried, is her favorite.  But, it is at Macomb where she has found her own special kind of harmony.

“It’s exciting to be a tiny part of my students’ transformation,” says Bangs. “What could be better than helping someone else realize their dreams?”

Dave Tramontozzi, Chemistry professor, sees his younger self in many Macomb students. He rode his bike to classes at the University of Windsor, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry, while working as a bartender.

“We have remarkable people at this institution,” says Tramontozzi, who has accompanied Macomb students on three alternative spring break trips to assist in the rebuilding of lives in the wake of poverty or a natural disaster. “I am so impressed by how our students put themselves out there for others.  To be a part of their educational journey is an honor.”

While many of his classmates at the university were headed toward medical school, Tramontozzi chose a different path after working as lab, research and, ultimately, teaching assistant.

“Chemistry and I got along very well, and I really loved the research, but with teaching, the highs are continuous,” says Tramontozzi. “I love everything about teaching.”

Tramontozzi first taught in an auditorium to 400 students at a time, which gave him insight into what type of teaching position he would prefer.

“At the end of a semester, I knew maybe five of my students,” reflects Tramontozzi.  “One of the things I like about Macomb is I get to really know my students and they get to know me.”

One of the first things his students learn is that Tramontozzi is Canadian. He grew up just outside of Windsor and now lives on its south side with his wife and three sons, whom he coaches in baseball and hockey.  Second is that he is dedicated to showing his students how relevant chemistry is to their understanding of the world, and offering guidance if they decide to make it a career.

“A lot of the students in our intro courses are taking it because it is required. And while I absolutely don’t want to make them a chemist, my class might kick-start an idea of doing something later, says Tramontozzi. “The greatest compliment is when a student comes back to tell me: ‘I took my PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) and scored a 95 on the chemistry part.’”

Along with colleague Cathy Kelly, Tramontozzi received a Macomb Innovation Award this year to fund a Science Student Advisory Panel comprised of former Macomb science students now on their way toward science-based careers. The panel will share their experiences with current students on Feb. 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in K Building. South Campus.

“This is something that I thought about doing for many years,” says Tramontozzi.  “I can sit across a desk and tell a student what they should do, but it means so much more when they hear it from a peer who has been where they are.”

Psychology Professor Paulina Multhaupt loves empowering students by exposing them to new ideas, fighting stigma and challenging preconceived notions.

“Take what you know and set it aside for a little while,” says Multhaupt. “And, when you go back to it, you may take it all back. That may be what you embody, and that is fine. But, none of us can truly learn if we’re hanging on so tightly to what we already think we know, because there’s no room for growth if we’re doing that all the time.”

Multhaupt, married and a mother of two teenaged sons, obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Michigan State University, and her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She started teaching at Macomb in 1999, and shares what she describes as “a kindred feeling with the College.” Both of her parents attended Macomb, and her siblings (who also graduated from MSU) took math courses on campus. After her husband accepted a local teaching position, the first thing she did was to apply at Macomb.

“I remember driving by and going, ‘I will work there, one day,’” relates Multhaupt. “I always knew I was going to be teaching at a community college.”

Nearly 20 years later, she appreciates just how little students have changed since she began. While others may make claims to the contrary, she hasn’t noticed a difference.

“You know who I have in my classes?” asks Multhaupt. “Hardworking students, who have multiple roles. They’re working. They’re going to school. They’re taking care of family.”

In addition to instructing, Multhaupt also serves on the committee and is a presenter for the SAFE @ Macomb program, which strives to make the College safer and more inclusive for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and employees.

“I felt like I needed to be part of the discussion,” says Multhaupt. She was compelled to take action with fellow Psychology Professor Linda Bajdo, after hearing students tell homophobic jokes in the classroom. She’d respond, “You want to tell a joke? Find something funny that doesn’t offend anyone.”

Upon completing SAFE training, faculty and staff are given the option to become allies. They’re asked to respectfully challenge misinformation and heterosexist biases they encounter on campus. Befittingly, one of Multhaupt’s favorite things about teaching at Macomb is encouraging people to become more open-minded: “open to thinking about things differently, open to examining their current thoughts and ideas about something, open to putting to rest something that they’ve always believed in light of new information,” she says. “There’s so much excitement in that.”

When Padmavathi (Pat) Lathers speaks to students in the English for Academic Purposes (EAPP) classes she teaches at Macomb, her knowledge of the subject matter is backed by a wide world view and fluency in four languages.

Growing up in Singapore with parents who had emigrated from Malaysia, Lathers learned to speak comfortably in English, Chinese, Tamil (a language of India) and Malay. Because she was introduced to all these languages at such an early age, she can now move effortlessly between them without stopping to think.

“While my students need to mentally translate from their mother tongue, I don’t have to stop and do a translation in my head,” offers Lathers. “I can speak to one person in English and another in Tamil both at the same time. But I know what it’s like to learn another language.”

In Singapore, Lathers was surrounded by multiculturalism and that, as much as the languages she learned, led her to where she is today.

“One cannot stop learning about other cultures,” says Lathers.  “That is one of the reasons I love talking to and relating with my students.  I want to hear their background stories and, from them, I’m always learning.”

To offer that experience to others, Lathers launched an International Students Group that she hopes will connect all Macomb students, regardless of homeland, in a joint exploration of the world around them. With its first officers now in place, Lathers serves as advisor.

“There has been a good response this year from native students,” offers Lathers. “They are interested in learning about other cultures.”

Lathers moved to the U.S. on her own 30 years ago.  Her destination was Northwest University near Seattle, Washington.  There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical literature and met Jonathan Lathers, her husband and an EAPP professor at Macomb. Before settling in Jonathan’s home state of Michigan, where they raised their son Christian, the Lathers worked as bible translators to with the Summer Institute of Linguistics.

“I have traveled widely,” acknowledges Lathers, who earned a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching – Reading/Language Arts from Oakland University and also teaches an Extensive Reading course for EAPP students at Macomb. “Before I was married, I traveled overland with friends from Pakistan to the United Kingdom. We drove through Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovenia, Italy and France, mostly camping in areas too remote for hostels or hotels. That is still my favorite trip.”

For Jacqueline Wanner, learning is a lifelong experience. She has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design from Wayne State University, an Associate of Applied Science in Website Programming from Macomb, and a Master of Science in Management from Walsh College. Currently, she is pursuing an online Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. “I’m already trying to plan out what I want to do next,” muses Wanner. “I’ve always been interested in education, even from my younger years in elementary school. I almost didn’t like summer vacations, because it meant I couldn’t be in school.”

Teaching would seem like a natural fit for Wanner, a self-proclaimed “fitness geek” and “full-time vegetarian” who enjoys technology and art, but it wasn’t her first choice. “I was going to be a graphic artist and I was in the industry for a long time. I went into web design.”

When presented with the possibility of teaching, Wanner thought she could never do it. “I can’t get up and talk in front of people. It scares me to death.” Within no time, those fears were allayed. “I slowly migrated to this in some weird way. I can’t imagine doing anything different.”

In 2009, Macomb hired Wanner, a proponent of online education, for a full-time faculty position. Her role blends the best elements of all her interests. “Take the passion of the industry and the creativity of the website design and development piece and bring it to the classroom for the students, and that’s what I love to do. I have the opportunity to hopefully touch someone’s life.”

What can students expect when participating in one of Professor Wanner’s classes? First and foremost, she wants to ensure they are taking advantage of available resources. “I’m not going to give you the answer right away. I’m going to make you think a little bit and develop the skills that allow you to research the answer and experiment.”

This approach recently led Wanner to cofound a makerspace at Macomb with Professor Martin Kohl. “It’s a space where students can dream big, make stuff, play, create, design and have fun,” says Wanner, “without worrying about making mistakes or failing.” She believes that it is through failure that students learn best. The makerspace provides students with access to all sorts of gadgets, including a Raspberry Pi, a 3D printer, virtual reality goggles and littleBits electronic building blocks. She hopes this community environment will instill confidence in students and possibly inspire the next generation of technological innovators.

“Maybe,” offers Wanner, “we’ll discover the next Steve Wozniak or Steve Jobs.”

Laurie Niemer hopes her passion for the respiratory therapy field is contagious so that her students can embark on a career as successful as her .

It started in 2003 when, newly divorced with one of three children still at home, Niemer began looking at employment options. After she began taking classes at Macomb, she attended a Respiratory Therapy program open house and that is all she needed to convince her that she had found her calling.

“I wanted to be in the health care field, but never knew about respiratory therapy,” says Niemer, who worked her way through college as a restaurant manager and a store detective at Meijer. “It is such a pleasure to use your knowledge to help people. And the same goes for teaching. I’m very involved in my students’ education.”

Just before graduating from Macomb in 2005, Niemer was hired by St. John Hospital after completing her clinical experience there. She has provided respiratory therapy to patients in the neonatal, pediatric, ICU and ER departments.

“ER was my favorite. The fast pace kept you on your toes, but it was crazy,” says Niemer.  “At least once a shift, someone came in with a gunshot wound.”

One of the most gratifying moments in her career, however, didn’t occur in a hospital or a classroom.  It was when the daughter of a friend reached out to Niemer on Facebook for information on how to deal with her young son’s asthma attack.

“I helped her understand what was happening with her son and what to do,” relates Niemer.  “She let me know that after the cool shower I suggested, he was doing much better.”

So dedicated is Niemer to the respiratory therapy field that she applied to serve on the Michigan Board of Respiratory Care and was appointed to a four-year term by Governor Rick Snyder last month.

“I’m active in our state society,” says Niemer, “and members told me they needed someone to be on the board to work on making our licensure procedure better.”

Niemer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Carrington College and a master’s degree in Education from Northeastern University. She worked as clinical coordinator of the Respiratory Therapy program at Oakland Community College before accepting the full-time teaching and clinical coordinator position at Macomb in 2015.

“This is like home. It’s the place that gave me a new look on life and at the greatest profession,” says Niemer. “Coming here was the best decision I ever made.”

Shaun Sarcona was considering a career in either math or accounting when he enrolled at Macomb after graduating from Fraser High School.  But once he discovered the technicolored possibilities of computer imagery, he dismissed them both as too “black and white.”

“The great thing about the graphic arts is that you have the ability to work on a variety of projects.  One day you are designing a logo, then a T-shirt, then a 3D vehicle or animation,” says Sarcona, Macomb Media and Communication Arts (MACA) professor.  “Design is everywhere.  An artist has had their hand on most everything we experience throughout the day.”

Sarcona earned an associate degree in graphic and commercial art from Macomb in the 1990s and began a successful freelance career.  He returned to the College in 2002 as an employee, working full time as a technician in the Information Technology Department and teaching part time in the MACA program.  He subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Rochester College and began teaching full time in 2008.

“I enjoy helping people get to the next step in their lives,” says Sarcona. “I enjoy bringing innovation and excitement into the classroom because it was one of the driving forces behind my own education.”

While students in the classes he teaches learn on the most current 3D and Computer–Generated Imagery (CGI) software, Sarcona insists that they have a firm foundation in basic design principles that he believes will, ultimately, be more enduring in their career.

“Everything is constantly changing in this industry,” says Sarcona.  “I want them to leave with techniques, not just know how to use the tools.”

Recently, Sarcona’s students got to use both tools and techniques on the design of the torch that will be used in the Macomb County Bicentennial Torch Relay and will light the celebratory fireworks display in downtown Mount Clemens on June 22.

“Working on something and seeing it go from brainstorming, to paper to something you can hold that will be seen by thousands of people is something many students don’t get to experience,” says Sarcona.  “I’m glad my students had that chance.”