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Bachelor of Arts, English Arts

Passionate about cultivating belonging and student success, Lazareth J-K Sye creates environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. In his role as Associate Director of Residence Life at Lake Michigan College, he leads residential initiatives that strengthen community connection and enhance the student experience.

With a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University, Lazareth brings years of experience in residential education, student leadership, and program development. His work focuses on building inclusive systems, mentoring student leaders, and implementing processes that promote transparency and care.

Originally from Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii, and having lived abroad in Shanghai, China, Lazareth brings a global and relational approach to his leadership—centered on empathy, authenticity, and the power of belonging.

Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice: Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University; Master of Science in Nursing: Bethel University; Bachelor of Science in Nursing: University of Michigan

Awards: Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society Member

Memberships: Emergency Nursing Association

Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Photography - Arizona State University - Tempe, AZ
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Humanities - Università Di Bologna – Bologna, Italy

PhD, Administration; Master of Science, Education; Bachelor of Science, Mathematics

Master of Arts, Communication; Bachelor of Arts, Mass Media

Sean Tingle (they/them) is an instructor at Lake Michigan College, primarily focusing on Online Learning and Online Writing Instruction. They also teach first-year composition remotely at Arizona State University Online, as well as the occasional Film Studies and Humanities courses at another community college. Their teaching focuses on student engagement, community-building, and real-world writing in online spaces. Sean is currently pursuing graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence in Business at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, holds a graduate certificate in Digital Audience Strategy, a Master's in English, and a Bachelor's in Humanities and Film Studies. Outside the classroom, they are passionate about health education, global travel, science fiction/fantasy, film, video games, public transit, infrastructure, urban planning, and exploring creative ways to help connect people through writing and storytelling.

Master of Science (in progress), Math & Computer Science; Doctorate in Education, Teaching and Learning; Master of Science, Information Systems and Tech; Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education: Math

Trustee

St. Joseph, Michigan
Term ends 12/31/2026

Mary Jo Tomasini, CEO of Competitive Edge, located on Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville, started her company in 1993, working alone in a store basement. She now has 22 employees working in their Stevensville and Grand Rapids offices. Competitive Edge provides promotional products, premiums and business gifts for local and national companies both large and small. Mary Jo’s success is driven by her belief in high quality customer service and going above and beyond customer expectations. Her vision to develop a successful business in her industry and community has gained her numerous awards and national recognition including being named one of the “Top 500 Woman Owned Businesses in the United States” and “Top 50 Places to Work in the Promotional Products Industry”.

Her desire and dedication to give back to the community is evident by volunteering her services and expertise to a long list of organizations, including Lake Michigan College, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Relay for Life and Michigan Women’s Business Council. She has been active in Junior Achievement of Michiana as a board member and classroom instructor as she believes we all have a responsibility to inspire our leaders of tomorrow. Her dedication and involvement in her many volunteer roles in the community earned her the 2006 Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award.

Mary Jo has been a resident of Berrien County since 1972 and lives in Stevensville with her husband and number one fan, Fred Malawski.

Mary Jo has served as a Trustee for twelve years and is excited at the opportunity to continue serving Lake Michigan College if she is re-elected. Mary Jo has a clear understanding of the community and will work hard to fairly represent the needs, challenges and changes that are important to all of you.

Mary Jo has been a resident of Berrien County since 1972. She is an alumna of Lake Michigan College and has accomplished many things since then. Mary Jo started CE Competitive Edge, LLC twenty-seven years ago and has transformed it into one of the largest promotional products companies in the industry. Without the presence and influence of LMC, she believes that her professional and personal journey would have landed her in a completely different space.