Positive change requires a harmonious balance of forces all working together toward a common goal. Just as Marygrove College evolves into a more prominent, outward-focused urban leadership role, the school’s inner workings must be in balance as well. That’s why the position of Director of Mission Integration was devised, to ensure that together with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), Marygrove and its mission will live on, true to the values that the IHMs have dedicated their lives to shaping.
After a thorough search and a four-month interview process, Jan Machusak was chosen as Director of Mission Integration from a host of more than 200 applicants. She has spent virtually her entire career in Catholic education in the Metropolitan Detroit area, including a leadership role at Dominican High School and Academy in Detroit. She holds a B.S. in Math-Science from Aquinas College and a Master of Science Education from Lawrence Technological University.
Her experience through the years in Franciscan, Dominican and IHM-led institutions will help Marygrove deepen and sustain the connections between our institutional mission, IHM sponsorship, Catholic identity and Urban Leadership vision," says President David Fike of his direct report. "This position was created to promote within the campus community a shared enthusiasm about why we do what we do.
Enthusiasm and creative vision are Jan’s specialties. A self-proclaimed “people person,” she tells a great story about an exercise she used in her classroom once about giving, and being ready to receive. She filled a large bowl of colorful candies in front of a group of very excited students and told them they could reach in and take a handful, BUT they could only use their fists to take some. When a clenched fist yielded a scarce few candies— and a whole lot of frustration— she pointed out that an open hand was a much more effective and gracious way to receive these gifts, and pass them on.
Read more: Trinity of women seeks to keep our mission alive and well, and living in the city.
