City Watch has been hearing “follow the money” since early on in former President of Albion College Mat Johnsons’ brief tenure. Professors claim that money set aside for them to use for their classes and students was cut from the department budgets. Of course, that made more money available and created a false narrative that the college had more than it did.
Much the same as donations made to the college. Johnson took credit for fundraising success with money that was raised under the Maurie Ditzler administration, Ditzler was President before Johnson came in. The Ditzler administration raised millions and some of that is due over the process of many years, a common practice. So, for example, a one million dollar “payment” last year on a pledge made in 2017 really had nothing to do with Johnson and his administration yet he would brag to the board and employees said one source who asked for anonymity for fear of reprisal.
There are concerns being expressed by insiders about money spent on W. G. Construction. City Watch is working hard to bring you answers. Time will tell if the interim president will really look into things or just continue to bully employees and appear to cover up.
As it stands now most of Johnson’s department heads or cabinet as he called them are still working at the college. That is causing real fear with employees said another employee. “Retribution is still on the table” they said.
Mat Johnsons new job as he steps away from the presidency at Albion College is eerily similar to one he had when he suddenly stepped down at Brown University. The Brown Daily Herald, a daily campus newspaper (follow link below to article) reported on March 11, 2020, that Johnson, associate dean of the College for engaged scholarship and director of the Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification, stepped down from his position as executive director of the Swearer Center March 1. Apparently, he took a newly created position with the Carnegie Foundation. “He would assume a new position as a senior fellow to focus on the expansion of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification,” said the Herald.
Mat Johnson
City Watch has spoken to four Academics from around the country with no link to Albion College or Brown University and all said this was essentially a demotion. All these Academics spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal at their current Universities.
As he leaves Albion Johnson will now serve as president of the Commission for Public Purpose in Higher Education in partnership with the Carnegie Foundation. The Commission is responsible for the stewardship and continuous development of the basic and elective classification systems of higher education institutions.
The change of jobs at Brown begs a question that Albion College Board of Trustee President Mike Harrington needs to address. One being why did Albion College hire a man who appeared to be recently demoted? City Watch has learned that this information was available to Harrington and others doing the national search that brought Johnson to Albion.
As Jenny Risner-Wade sat sipping her morning coffee I made a quick look around her shop. It was homey with the smell of chocolate filling my senses with joy. I was here today to talk to her about a recent grant she qualified for through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). On December 16 she found out that her business Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, will receive up to $25,000 that is to be used for her business as upgrades for chocolate manufacturing and to the building.
Jenny Risner-Wade
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in the official press release “The Match on Main grants are helping us put small businesses first and build on the 145,000 jobs we added last year by continuing to invest in our communities and main streets across the state.” She went on to say, “I am so grateful to our hardworking, innovative small business owners who form the backbone of our economy, create jobs, and help countless local communities thrive. We will continue investing in them as we usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Michigan.”
Jennys’ shop opened for business in September of 2020, which was in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. She spoke of the challenges, but most she said, “were welcomed ones.” She was happy with her location which is across the street from the Children’s Museum and Auto supply store. She smiled describing how the business owners’ wave and nod at each other when they pass store fronts. Her love of downtown is obvious and that is why the grant is so special as it is helping build and support small businesses like her.
Her location, specifically the building she is in according to local archives has a long history where most of its tenants were women. She said, “a Mrs. Babcock operated a milenery hat shop here in 1890.” The building has hosted many shops operated by women. Her address is 306 South Superior, right beside the Michigan Secretary of State office. Their website is https://www.yellowbirdchocolateshop.com/
I asked about her “art wall” located on the front side of her checkout area. She said that happened quite by accident as a way to keep young visitors busy while parents shopped. The picture below was drawn by a young lady who was here from Tennessee visiting her dad. He is working on the Solar panel projects in the area, and they had just finished at the museum when they came across the street for a visit. She jokingly said the parents stand in the museum staring at that big yellow sign (on the front of the building) and come in here for some “be a kid in a candy store time.”
Her retail area which is small compared to the size of the building is one of the improvements to be made. They will be taking out several walls (below scribbled on wall) to make the retail space what appears to be about double of what it is now. A walk back to the manufacturing area one could see why improvements were needed, it’s very small. She will be putting in larger everything as she says, “I will be able increase my output.” Her goal is to expand on her internet sales, commercial accounts and of course her retail sales.
Another thing that will happen with the expansion is her teaching classes. She hosts several tastings per year for small groups. The participants get information on how chocolate is made trying out combinations of chocolate with different foods and drink. She plans on holding several more by utilizing the small courtyard located just outside her back door. A small area big enough for a few tables and, well, chocolate.
Jenny did say that she appreciated the work of the Albion Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) did to help her filing for this grant money. She also encouraged other main street businesses to contact AEDC as this program gives out grants twice a year. “Main street is important, customers like coming in and knowing their shop keepers.” She reminded this writer how she got started. “I did pop up shops for four years and built a small but devoted clientele. Then I started to plan and here we are today.”
I asked when they would start work on the expansion. She said ordering equipment will take time for delivery, but not soon no matter how fast that is. “Valentine’s Day is only 8 weeks away. We have to start building up our inventory as it is a busy time of year.” Ahhhhhh, so goes the life of a chocolatier.
You can reach out to the Albion Economic Development Corporation for information on this and other economic help available to local businesses at:
I am writing to let you know the Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Dr. Mathew Johnson at its meeting last night. Dr. Johnson is moving into an expanded role to serve as president of the Commission for Public Purpose in Higher Education in partnership with the Carnegie Foundation. This role speaks to the work he loves – and is one that will enable him to have an impact at a national and international level.
During last night’s meeting, the Board appointed Trustee Joe Calvaruso ’78 as interim president effective immediately. Joe has extensive roots with the College and the Albion community and will ably lead while we conduct a search for our next president. We are beginning the process of evaluating search firms. The Board will also convene a search committee of faculty, staff, alumni, a student and community leaders to help identify our 18th president.
Following is the press release, which will be going out to the media later this morning, along with a personal letter of introduction from Joe, who plans a campus listening tour in January. We look forward to sharing more details in the new year.
Michael J. Harrington ’85 Chair of the Board of Trustees
Letter From Interim President
December 24, 2021 To our Albion family: My name is Joe Calvaruso, and I am deeply honored to serve as the interim President of our beloved Albion College. When I enrolled as a freshman in the fall of 1974, our country was in a fair measure of chaos. The U.S. was embroiled in the Vietnam War, which sharply divided our nation. We struggled with issues of race. We were coming off a gas shortage and slapped by double-digit inflation. Our problems seemed to stretch for miles – and there were no ready answers. I’m feeling some of these echoes on campus and in our community right now. The College has faced significant challenges during this time. I walk through the quad and feel the tension. I’ve received phone calls from alumni, faculty and friends in the community who have shared their concerns. After nearly two years of the pandemic, we are all exhausted – and the end is not yet in sight. But just as our ship righted itself while I was a student, so it will again now. Albion College is strong. Our faculty and staff are committed and engaged. Our students are passionate and focused. Our community wants us to succeed – and we will if we can pull together and put our collective best interests at heart. In the coming months, I intend to do just that. We are about to launch a search for a new President, which is simultaneously an exciting and daunting proposition. I pledge to work hand in hand with faculty, staff, students and the Albion community to continue the day-to-day work that is so necessary for us to thrive. I ask that you join me in a spirit of cooperation to prepare to welcome our 18th president. For those of you who do not know me, my roots in the Albion community run deep. I’m fifth generation on my mother’s side and third on my father’s to call Albion home. My mother owned Dorothy’s, a beauty salon that served the community for decades. Like my father and grandfather before me, I worked for the Albion Malleable Iron Company making sure product met quality standards as it was going out the door. Like my parents and so many of my extended family, I graduated from Albion High School. I enrolled in Albion College after graduating, one of 200 pre-med students who started that year. But it quickly became clear to me – and to my professors – that I wasn’t cut out for medical school. So, I followed their advice and switched my studies to economics and management, which set me on a nearly three-decade career in banking. That’s the beauty of Albion College and the liberal arts. My classes were small enough and my professors cared enough to step in and help me find a better path. I was able to take classes that not only prepared me to be successful in business, but allowed me to enjoy a second career and pursue my interest in public service to become Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation in Grand Rapids. That, too, was an incredible honor – as it was in 2009 when I was asked to join the Board of Trustees for the College. My love for Albion College and all we stand for is tremendous. I even married my wife, Donna, on our beautiful campus in 1997. We look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary year in Albion in 2022. Donna has adopted Albion College and the Albion community as her own, and I am delighted that both have embraced her. I hope to meet you in January. Donna and I plan to spend time walking campus, visiting our various departments and programs and connecting with the greater Albion community. I would love to share a cup of coffee with you and listen to your concerns, your hopes and your dreams for our future. I am eager to get started and look forward to serving the College and the community, both of which are home to me. Go Brits! Joe Calvaruso ’78
After meetings of the Albion College Board of Trustees over this past week City Watch NEWS has learned that Mathew Johnson is no longer employed by the college and has resigned. He began his job July 1, 2020, Board of Trustees member Joe Calvaruso will be the interim President.
Photo of Mathew Johnson from Albion College website
This all happens in the wake of a confrontation that Johnson had with Hazel Lias a local Albion elder on Tuesday December 14 which was unprovoked and has caused a fire storm of criticism for Johnson and demands that he be terminated or resign.
Lias held a press conference last Friday to “set the record straight” after a leaked email from the college basically played down the entire event. Johnson faces potential prosecution for assault over this entire situation as well. Lias has not yet filed a complaint but says she has not ruled it out. Other civil liability ramifications in this case exist for both the college and Johnson.
Stay tuned for more details
Follow this link to letters from Board President and Interim College President
There have been a few notable letters to the editor over the issue of the sad and pathetically pitiful action of a “learned” man.Only one was written by another student, Albion’s Mayor Victoria Snyder. I am a Student of Mrs. Hazel Lias So here we have Albion College, from an archived catalog from the college’s website; ” An independent, coeducational, residential college founded more than 175 years ago, Albion is committed to the liberal arts tradition. Historically related to the United Methodist Church, the College is dedicated to preserving the values of the past…” I’m going to stop right there because it seems that Misogyny, Chauvinism, and Racism are values of the past. No, these are not anything to value. They are cancerous tumors that must be eradicated from human society.
Nevertheless, his attack upon Mrs. Lias was an Attack upon Albion itself. Equal to as if he urinated upon the “American Molder” statue. There is no level of apology worthy to correct this wrong. I can only see more and more disgusting actions that will never be answered for. IF this is the image that Albion College wants, then they should expect lower enrollment as years progress. Lets face it, as online education get more and more mainstream Colleges and Universities will be a few buildings and lecture halls will become studio’s…. Pardon, I digress
With that as to echo all that have put it President Dr. Matthew Johnson needs to pack his trash and leave to return to the rock he crawled out from under.
Andrew Arndts Spc4. US Army Ordnance Corp. Persian Gulf War Era Vet(ETS)
A week ago today, Mat Johnson, President of Albion College verbally assaulted Hazel Lias inside Kresge gym on the college campus. One week later all we have is rumors and pissed off Albion residents and college professors and staff who have decided enough is enough and have made a public stand.
What we can say is that Mat Johnson still works for the school and that Board of Trustees President Mike Harrington apparently doesn’t appear to have the stones to fire him. Maybe Harrington is thinking this will all go away if he does nothing, maybe we will all forget our black matriarch, our beloved Hazel was made afraid by this person.
This will not go away despite Johnsons attempt to influence the public using back door tactics of his sycophants who are trolling the internet and local neighborhoods. The sad thing is those who have been so vocal for Mat Johnson in the past are dead silent now OR on full bore offense trying to discredit others and God forbid Hazel Lias.
Let us remember Johnson came at Lias aggressively pointing his finger raising his voice looking down on her as if she was beneath him, like she should bow to him. Don’t forget that. This was not the first time he did this to her according to Lias in her press conference this past Friday, though she would not elaborate on what happened.
So here we are. Mike Harrington appears to be afraid or is looking to create a public excuse because he fears Mat Johnson. Could it be that there are issues with Johnson’s history before Albion that he knew about and forced the hiring of Johnson anyway? Academic issues? Other situations with women that would earn a demotion in prior jobs? Questions only Harrington can answer. Maybe Harrington needs to step down along with other key executive officers of the Board of Trustees since that despite what they know they still want to hang on to ole Mat.
Mat Johnson needs to be unemployed and key top positions of the College Board of Trustees need to step down as well. There is no leadership at Albion College. For the love of higher education let’s stop this madness.
Yes, Mike Harrington WE THE CITIZENS OF THE ALBION AREA HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING.
For heaven’s sake not even a press release. Cowards.
Time for a loud and raucous protest so they know we Albion people are not going to stand by and let them get away with hurting Hazel Lias.
First and foremost Tanya and I miss Albion so much. In 2016 we moved to town with no hopes of becoming world famous musicians at all, but rather to find ourselves as we were both in a dark place of fear, failure, and loneliness.
What we found was family, courage and more love than any neighbor could ever ask for. We found community in Albion. We found joy and hope for a future of unity and strength forged in solidarity that the past pains of our town won’t cripple our present making our future non exist. Yes we found all of that and more.
We’ve seen our town bond together in frightful times over and over again, and in the midst of those threatening times our children were our hope. Some of those same children would grow up and attend our college, Albion College and we stood proud once again.
Although Hazel Lias is our community and the pillar of hope in our community she is also the support beam of the very structure of Albion. As I understand the facts to be evident that disrespect to her has been administered a second time by the leader of our very own hometown college, I also understand that this man has also not been disciplined properly for his ruthless behavior and demeaning spirit.
Albion, we all need to consider the message we are sending our children and our youth at Albion college. Messages that say it is ok for you to disrespect someone when you are angry. Messages that say it is adult to throw a temper tantrum when you can’t get your way. Messages that say point at or yell at in a hostile way when you want to intimate someone. Messages that speak to our young men that say this is the way you keep a woman in line or in compliance with your agenda.
I say no! This is not the thriving spirit that flows through the rivers of our town. This isn’t the courageous spirit that birthed Down To The River and the music video that accompanied. This is not the overcoming attitude that rebuilt and reopened the Bohm Theater and invited its entire community even the part of our fabric that bled racism but now breeds inclusion.
This spirit that the president of Albion college, Dr. Matthew Johnson possess is the same disheartening evil spirit that divided us once and will always divide us. Tanya and I stand with the many people who are calling for the dismissal of Matthew Johnson and we pray that our town will rise above this.
Gov. Whitmer Awards Funding to 41 Small Businesses in 28 Communities to Support 228 Jobs and Grow Michigan’s Economy
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced that 28 communities across Michigan have been awarded a total of $1,011,057 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main grant program, ensuring that the state continues its strong job growth after adding 67,000 jobs in the last three months.
“The Match on Main grants are helping us put small businesses first and build on the 145,000 jobs we added last year by continuing to invest in our communities and main streets across the state,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am so grateful to our hardworking, innovative small business owners who form the backbone of our economy, create jobs, and help countless local communities thrive. We will continue investing in them as we usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Michigan.”
“Thriving small businesses are what make Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “These Match on Main grants will help local businesses find new paths to growth and create and retain jobs, while further developing vibrant, unique, and attractive places where people want to live, work, and play.”
MEDC’s Match on Main program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street program or are a Certified Redevelopment Ready community. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support.
The grants are expected to create or retain 75 full-time and 153 part-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $1.7 million.
The Match on Main grants may be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure related to COVID-19 recovery efforts, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses. Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community are also considered.
The Albion Economic Development Corporation will use its $25,000 to assist with the expansion of Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, a purveyor of artisanal chocolates in downtown Albion. With the help of the funds, Yellow Bird will expand its manufacturing capacity by scaling up machinery and commercial kitchen appliances, as well as further developing online sales capabilities and consumer education through its popular tasting experiences.
“We are truly honored to receive Michigan’s Match on Main reimbursement grant opportunity for expanding Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop in downtown Albion. This reimbursement grant means two things to us: first, it will help us meet the local and regional demand for more craft chocolate and artisanal confections; and second, it is an indicator that the State of Michigan is supportive of the efforts and creative development happening in downtown Albion,” said Jenny Risner-Wade, owner of Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop. “We are so grateful for the encouragement and guidance of our local economic development corporation, the city of Albion, the Albion Downtown Development Authority and the Dream.Build.Rise.Albion program. Thank you!”
The city of Alpena was awarded $25,000 to support Fresh Palate, an eatery in downtown Alpena focused on providing healthy, organic, fresh meals in an energetic, earth-conscious, friendly, comfortable environment. The restaurant will use the funds to completely renovate an underutilized property in downtown Alpena into a trendy retail space with a bar. It will help to expand the downtown’s newly established social district.
“I can’t thank the MEDC enough for the Match on Main grant award! This gives me hope that the future economy of our downtown community is staying strong and in fact thriving in this uncertain time in history,” said Eric Peterson, owner of Fresh Palate. “A grant of this size makes me feel comfortable that I can complete my expansion project without stressing the whole time over money. A thriving downtown community brings vibrancy and sustainability to a thriving local economy. Business owners really have to put themselves out there and help from someone like the MEDC goes a long way.”
“We are thrilled to have two projects in Downtown Alpena selected for support through the Match on Main grant program. Both projects will allow our small businesses to grow and expand– and help our downtown thrive as a year-round destination as well,” said Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry. “The addition of igloos at Hopside Brewery will allow visitors to dine outside year-round, even throughout the winter months. The new bar and food truck court by the Fresh Palate will activate a vacant building and parking lot into a vibrant new food experience downtown. We appreciate the MEDC’s support to move these projects forward and help Downtown Alpena grow.”
December 2021 Match on Main grant winners:
RECIPIENT
BUSINESS NAME
GRANT
City of Houghton
Bruce Rundman/dba Good Times Music
$25,000
City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority
Ore Dock Brewing Company, LLC
$25,000
Sault Sainte Marie Downtown Development Authority
Shilts Enterprises, Inc./dba Co-Ed Flowers and Gifts
$25,000
City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority
Superior Culture
$25,000
Charlevoix DDA
Smoke on the Water
$25,000
City of Petoskey
Old Town Emmet LLC/dba Tom and Dick’s Party Store
$25,000
City of Cadillac
Owl Eye Coffee Roasters LLC
$25,000
City of Manistee
Blue Fish Kitchen, LLC
$25,000
Charlevoix DDA
CAFE MERIA, LLC
$25,000
Downtown Development Authority/Grayling Main Street
Rolling Oak Brewing Company LLC/dba Rolling Oak Brewing
$18,807
Downtown Development Authority/Grayling Main Street
Three Fires Company, LLC/dba White Pine and Petals
Lansing Art Gallery, Inc./dba Lansing Art Gallery & Educational Center
$25,000
Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance
Marshall Hardware LLC
$25,000
City of Niles dba Niles Downtown Development Authority
Apothica Teas, LLC
$21,000
Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven
Rocket Time Amusements Inc./dba Rocket Arcade
$25,000
Village of Cassopolis
144 Broadway LLC/dba The 144 Market
$25,000
Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven
Rock “N” Road Cycle
$25,000
Albion Economic Development Corporation
Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop
$25,000
Jackson Downtown Development Authority
Jackson Candle Company
$25,000
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority
Earthen Jar Inc
$25,000
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority
Pearl Street Ventures, LLC/dba Bellflower Restaurant
$25,000
TOTAL
$1,011,057
In March 2021, MEDC announced that 17 communities around Michigan were awarded a total of $500,743 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns around Michigan. A total of 21 small businesses around Michigan received assistance through the program.
Michigan’s small businesses are a vital part of the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. Helping businesses to open and grow is a key focus of MEDC, and the Match on Main Street program is one of MEDC’s tools that provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts to grow and succeed. For more information on the program, visit here. To learn more about MEDC’s services for Michigan businesses, visit here.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
I condemn Mathew Johnson and his most recent disrespect of Mrs. Hazel Lias. His true character is now revealed in public. He took advantage of the pandemic to grow his power like a cancer in my beloved Albion College and my adopted hometown: the City of Albion. For too long his Office and the power it brings shielded him from the consequences of his actions. He is a manipulative, abusive man, using our highest ideals to divide and control us, while destroying people he claims to defend. He speaks impressively, and writes volumes, but his organizations and their employees struggle to keep up with his daily change in direction. Any objection to the constant chaos is met with legal threats and psychological abuse, or dismissal with a gag order. He cares only for the appearance of progress and has no idea how to actually lead people – only intimidate them. The scene with Mrs. Lias has been repeated many times with many others behind closed doors.
This is no secret. He has systematically destroyed the progress made in town-gown relationships before he arrived. He opposes those who love Albion and are ready to grow our town into the future. He chases millions of dollars away because he won’t get credit for them. His skill at deception and organizational manipulation joined with his ruthless misuse of power have kept the truth from the public eye until now. Dozens know this and dare not speak for fear of his personal and professional retaliation. Many of us worked behind the scenes in this fight, persuaded that we must protect our institutions from his attacks, but now it’s time to declare a public position. Johnson is a disgrace to the office of the President of Albion College. A wave of progress is on hold until he leaves. He must be dismissed immediately.
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