Students at two Baker College campuses collaborate on ‘hot dog’ of a project

Getting real-world experience while in college can be challenging, but students at two Baker College campuses – in Auburn Hills and Flint – were able to put their talents to the test in class, thanks to a Port Austin businessman.

Marc Schillinger reached out to several colleges for help when a new menu design was needed for Mr. Marc’s Dog House, a concession trailer he owns that benefits the charity Compassion International. Schillinger, whose day job is a certified insurance counselor with Schillinger & Schillinger Inc., an insurance agency, was hoping students would take on the project pro bono, which would allow more money to go to the charity.

Students in Katherine Salvatore’s digital media design class at Baker College’s Auburn Hills campus jumped at the chance. They quickly learned that a full-blown branding of the trailer was needed, and invited autobody technician students in Flint to assist.

“The students exceeded my expectations,” Schillinger said. “It’s obvious the faculty provides quality training and creates an atmosphere of collaboration. We were able to debut the reimagined trailer this summer as planned at the Port Austin Farmer’s Market, marking the ninth year we have participated.”

The design project took form in three classes during the 2016-2017 academic year: Corporate Branding Design, Digital Media Business Practices and Portfolio Seminar. It began with an in-class interview of Schillinger, with follow-up discussions throughout the year via Skype. As the designs evolved, Schillinger shared them with friends and family, generating more ideas.

Ultimately, three design students – Stephanie Brown, of Oxford, who is in the associate degree program, and Hannah Burns, of Royal Oak, and Emily Carpenter, of Lapeer, who are in the bachelor degree program – each created a sign, learning the importance of brand consistency.

Once the trailer colors were selected, autobody technician students from Baker College’s Flint campus went to work. Students in the Non-Structural Damage Repair class prepped, sanded and performed other non-structural work. Next up were students in Painting and Refinishing.

“The major takeaway for our students was aligning the time and material estimation with the quality desired,” said Ronald Strzalkowski, Baker College of Flint director of the automotive services technology and autobody technician programs. “Customers want top quality service, and that takes more time and materials.”

When the truck returned to the Auburn Hills campus, Green Light Graphics, of Lake Orion, assisted the design students in applying the vinyl transfer signage to the trailer.

Salvatore said, “We had an enthusiastic customer and awesome students. Our students demonstrated a high level of professionalism in working as a team and were able to hone their trade, communication and organizational skills.”

Peter W. Karsten, Ph.D., CPA, Baker College of Auburn Hills president, said, “An opportunity like this builds confidence as well as student portfolios and shows what it’s like to accomplish something tangible in a student’s chosen trade – something that will benefit a charity for years to come.”

For more information about Baker College programs, contact Nicole Chirco in the admissions office at nicole.chirco@baker.edu or 248.340.0600, or visit www.baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Founded in 1911, Baker College grants doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as certificates in diverse academic fields including applied technology, business, education, engineering, health science, information technology and social science. Baker College has on-ground campuses throughout Michigan and offers online programs that can be completed 100 percent online without ever visiting a campus. In 2016, the Online Learning Consortium recognized Baker College Online with the OLC Quality Scorecard Exemplary Endorsement, the highest ranking for online higher education programs. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.
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