Roy Baynes, M.D., Ph.D. and noted expert on stem cell therapy, will serve as the keynote speaker at St. Clair County Community College’s 40th annual practical nursing commencement on December 20, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre on the college’s downtown Port Huron campus.

Dr. Baynes’ extensive list of appointments at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute includes Director of the Center for Cellular Therapy, President of University Research Network Inc., Professor of Medicine and Oncology at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University, Director of Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Director of J.P. McCarthy Umbilical Cord Derived Stem Cell Bank, Chief Medical Officer for external business initiatives and Director of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Program.

The National Cancer Institute, the federal body of the National Institute of Health that oversees most cancer research in the United States, has given its esteemed designation of “comprehensive” to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. As one of only 41 comprehensive cancer centers in the country, the Institute maintains this status based on excellence in cancer research and patient care. Distinguished programs at the Institute include breast cancer and bone marrow transplant research, as well as the exceptional educational programs designed for community outreach.

The Institute has begun an affiliated network that moves beyond the Wayne, Macomb and Oakland county areas to meet the cancer-related needs of the entire state. A relationship has been established with Huron Medical Center of Port Huron. The affiliated network enables people in community settings to reap the benefits of academic-based comprehensive cancer care. Dr. Baynes heads this network for the Institute.

“We are delighted to offer a speaker with such impressive credentials for our nursing students, families, staff and faculty,” said Gary Dettling, Dean of College Advancement. “Dr. Baynes’ speech stands to be a fascinating one for all who attend.”

During St. Clair County Community College’s nursing commencement, the class of 2001 will be awarded practical nursing certificates making them eligible to write the national exam for licensure. Nursing enrollment is up 14% in 2001 over 2000. The public is invited to join the graduates, their families and friends, and the college faculty and staff at the commencement event.
St. Clair County Community College currently serves approximately 9,200 students in the Blue Water area with a wide range of credit and non-credit classes. The College offers 52 Associate degree and Certificate programs and 55 seamless transfer program options. A variety of Bachelor and Master degree programs are available locally through the SC4 University Center. The College provides career development, personal and professional development, business and industrial training and community enrichment for citizens of all ages. New resources include online and fast track courses. The full-service, main campus is located in downtown Port Huron, with Thumb Area Centers located in Algonac, Bad Axe, Imlay City, Peck and Yale. St. Clair County Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.