As Washtenaw Community College prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, we recognize
the thousands of alumni who turned opportunity into achievement. For six decades,
WCC has opened doors to education, careers, and brighter futures — and these 60 Stories that will be compiled over the year reflect that enduring mission.
When Mark Jones arrived at Washtenaw Community College in 2019, he hadn't yet figured out how his education — or his future — would unfold. Today, he's thriving in his career as Operations Supervisor at Dayton Freight in Indianapolis.
"I was unsure of where I was headed and needed a smaller school that could help point
me in the right direction," Jones says.
He loved the size and atmosphere of WCC and gained the skills and confidence to continue his education. After earning his associate degree, Jones returned to Eastern Michigan University — where he'd originally started his higher education pursuits — to complete a bachelor's degree in business.
"My experience at WCC helped me grow as a college student, learning the ins and outs of balancing my crazy schedule," he says.
"College was never an easy path for me, but I was able to complete something I'm still shocked by — earning an associate degree from Washtenaw Community College and a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University."
DISCOVER YOUR DREAMS
Like Jones, who was initially uncertain of his path, nearly 80% of college students nationally change majors at least once, according to the Student Research Group.
With WCC's $99 per credit in-district tuition, students can take the time to explore educational pathways, earn general credits and tap into WCC's career service tools and advising.
The college helps students discover their dream careers through a number of toos and services, including surveys to match personalities and interests with career and educational programs.
The WCC Center for Career Success helps students connect their pograms to real-world opportunities, offering insights on career paths across more than 100 programs, the employers who hire in those fields, and current job market trends, says Dr. Kordillia Noble, director of the center and the Office of Apprenticeship.
"It's less about following your passion and moreso about finding where your passion meets demand," she says. "Think if it as turning your happy hobby into a profitable profession."
Noble says it's exciting to watch students discover where they want to end up professionally and helping them make a plan to get there.
The center's free services also help students with job search strategies, resumes, interview practice and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as mapping long- and short-term goals.
Jones, for example, is right where he wanted to be at this point in his career, but he's not stopping there.
"My goal is to continue developing myself into a servant leader and hopefullly climb the corporate ladder to a higher management position," he said.
For Jones, WCC was the launch pad to discovering his dream career — and for thousands of students each year, it's the first step toward theirs.
"College is never a piece of cake, but the reward at the end of the road — whether it's a degree or a certificate — is worth it," he said.
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This story first appeared in the Winter 2026 edition of Launch magazine. See the full issue here.
Tags: 60 Stories, Alumni Profile, Center for Career Success, Launch Winter 2026