Made with FlowPaper - Flipbook Maker
aspireSPRING/SUMMER 2024 Secrets of the Russian Swamp At the heart of the Siebert family story, truth and mystery intertwine, waiting to be unraveled. Two North Central students attempt to set the record straight. Story on page 10NORTH CENTRAL MAIN CAMPUS 1515 Howard St. Petoskey, MI 49770 231-348-6600 CHEBOYGAN CENTER (Cheboygan High School) 801 W. Lincoln Ave. Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-625-3614 GAYLORD CENTER 620 E. 5 th St. Gaylord, MI 49735 989-705-3775 ONLINE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dan Rasmussen, Chair Dave Kring, Vice Chair John Fought, Treasurer Melissa Keiswetter, Secretary Chris Etienne Keith A. Pretty, J.D. James Shirilla, M.D. LOCATIONS Aspire is an award-winning, biannual magazine produced by North Central Michigan College’s Marketing Department. Carol Laenen Vice President of Marketing & Strategy Catherine Coe Digital Marketing Manager Megan Van Horn Communications & Public Relations Manager Rachel Lefor Digital Media Administrator Kathryn Bardins Marketing Administrative Manager @NorthCentralMC www.ncmich.edu 10 9 4 8 Anne Thornton, director of NCMC’s Child Care Program, engages with Ryder, 11 months, and Theo, 9 months, during one of the college’s recent playgroups. Petoskey Early College graduate Mariette Schantz celebrates after receiving her Associate of Arts degree. Cross country runners Rachel Descamps, Emma Duncan and Zach Maendel qualified for the NJCAA Division II National Championships in November, becoming the first Timberwolves to compete on the national stage. Vice President of Academic Affairs Stephen Strom and President David Roland Finley celebrate the college’s BSN partnership with Davenport University President Richard Pappas and Executive Vice President for Academics and Provost Gilda Gely.3 WWW.NCMICH.EDU A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The conclusion of another academic year, rich with the traditions and experiences that mark this exciting time, also provides an opportunity to reflect on some of the accomplishments of the past several months. North Central has been on an upward trajectory, reaching higher in all facets of our endeavors. We continued to see enrollment growth in 2023 and now 2024. Our Winter 2024 headcount increased by nearly 6%. Our Class of 2023 nurses achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, the test that qualifies graduates to practice as registered nurses. North Central has been recognized statewide for providing college credit for high school career and technical education (CTE) courses aligned with 13 of our academic programs. NCMC Athletics sent three runners to the NJCAA Division II cross country championships in Huntsville, Ala. New degree offerings include Mechatronics, Digital Art & Design, Global Studies, Teacher Education and Medical & Health Sciences. Fifteen Fast Track career programs are now offered, including medical assisting, welding, bookkeeping, information technology, certified nurse aide and dental assisting. Set for completion in Fall 2026, our $20M Career and Technical Education Enhancement project is expanding healthcare, manufacturing and skilled trades education. We marked a decade of providing Northern Michigan families with an innovative, affordable path to higher education via our Early College program and welcomed new partners Cheboygan and Inland Lakes. The NCMC Child Care Initiative is leading the development of a sustainable, community-centered child care system in Emmet County. A $490,569 federal grant is expanding support for our student parents. Meet our newest CCI team members on page 13. Our new partnership with Davenport University, finalized in January, is providing NCMC nursing students with a faster, more economical path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree — right here in Petoskey. We are excited to build upon our successes and continue reaching higher in service to our students and communities. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our North Central family for their commitment and contributions to our shared mission. Together, let us continue reaching higher and shaping a brighter future for all. David Roland Finley, Ph.D. REACHING HIGHER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Amid the glow of computer screens, North Central’s esports arena pulses with intense focus. The soundtrack consists of rapid keyboard clicks and a flurry of conversation that sounds like gibberish to the uninitiated. “It’s loud, and it doesn’t make any sense,” laughed Savannah Leaver. “We’re all leaned over our computers, just chattering nonsense. And there are five of us doing it all at once.” Indeed, the strategic depth of Overwatch 2 demands constant communication. With a roster of 40 unique heroes, each with specialized abilities, the game is a test of tactical prowess and adaptability. What follows is a rapid exchange of maneuvers, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and defeat. In many ways, esports mirrors the essence of traditional sports, demanding seamless teamwork and strategic collaboration. And, as in other sports, each player’s action can influence the outcome of the match. “It’s similar to a basketball game,” explained Colt Reid. “You can make a bunch of shots, but if your team’s not playing well together, your defense isn’t going to be good enough to win the game.” Moreover, Reid and Leaver say the competitive nature of esports rivals that of any traditional sport. Every decision — every move — carries weight, amplifying the intensity of the competition. For Reid, who played basketball in high school, the adrenaline rush and pressure to perform are just as intense. “I’m a very competitive person, so during games, I’m feeling intensity, anticipation, excitement, nervousness,” he said. “It’s pretty stressful in the moment, but that’s part of the reason it’s so fun.” Yet, esports stands out for its inclusivity, welcoming players of all backgrounds and abilities. Unlike traditional sports in which physical attributes often dictate participation, esports prioritizes skill and strategy, creating a playing field where anyone with a passion for gaming can compete. “Esports is super socially inclusive, and there’s a game for everybody,” Leaver said. “There’s no tryout, no cutoff, no limit to how many teammates you can have. As long as you play these games, you can choose one that you know and like.” By providing an environment where everyone can find a sense of belonging and excitement, North Central’s esports program is enriching the competitive landscape, expanding opportunities for personal growth, social connection and thrilling competition. “I can’t remember the last time I talked to someone who hadn’t ever touched a video game,” Reid said, highlighting the universal appeal of gaming. “There are a lot of open slots and a lot of games to be played.” p GAME ON Inside the competitive, inclusive world of esports Colt Reid and Savannah Leaver are co-captains of North Central’s esports team, which completed its first full season of league play in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) conference. Follow Leaver, Reid and their teammates at ncmctimberwolves.com and twitch.tv/ncmc__esports. 4WWW.NCMICH.EDU 5 Faculty Q&A A conversation with Kerri Finlayson, M.A., professor of anthropology and sociology Explain what led you to study social sciences. What keeps you excited about sociology and anthropology? When I was in sixth grade, we had SURT (Silent Unguided Reading Time), when we could read whatever we wanted for 15 minutes. In the textbook I chose, I came across all these explorers from the 16 th —18 th centuries. They were discovering new lands and new people and writing about them in such awe- evoking descriptions. This piqued my interest to study people both past and present, which led me to pursue a career in archaeology. What is your favorite class to teach? Cultural Anthropology. It introduces students to the concepts of culture, ethnocentrism and cultural relativism, as well as the diversity of people in the world. I find that students have minimal exposure to the concepts and theories that explain endlessly fascinating past and present human behavior. This keeps me excited in the classroom and really challenges students’ preconceptions of their own human behavior. You recently celebrated 25 years of service at North Central. What stands out about your career at the college? The college has felt like a family for a very long time. I have treasured the long- term connections with my colleagues and students. I’ve also appreciated the college’s support for my physical adventure/learning experiences so that I can bring what I’ve learned back to the classroom. You’ve biked from Cairo to Cape Town, South Africa, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, cross country skied from Russia to the North Pole, explored Mayan and Aztec ruins, and run in marathons. What drives you to push yourself and seek adventure? It’s hard to pin that down. For some reason, exploring new places and pushing my body to the limit excites me, almost like an obsession. Thinking about the new things I’ll learn about physical pursuits and the way the world works — even the doubt about whether I can do it — gives me a concrete goal to work on. I think in another life I would have been an explorer. What is your favorite place you’ve visited? Scotland’s Orkney Islands. The amazing archaeological sites on these islands are super remote and very old — around 5,000 years before the present. They were built before the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. I think I’m also drawn to them because of my Scottish heritage. What do you most hope your students remember from their interactions with you? Learning is a joy. And being a better, more critical thinker requires a lot of effort, but it’s worth the struggle. I also hope I’ve inspired them to see the world and get out of their comfort zone. That’s where the most impactful learning happens. Who inspires you? I’m inspired by the strong women who have come before me and paved the way for continued anthropological and archaeological discovery, including Margaret Mead, Doris Stone, Ruth Benedict, and my mentor from the University of Michigan, Joyce Marcus. If you weren’t a professor, what would your career be? If I had a good voice, I would be a rock star. If I could have pursued exploration, I would be a National Geographic Explorer in Residence. Can you share one or two items on your bucket list? One day I’d like to write a book featuring short chapters about my interviews with “old-time” archaeologists (70 years or older), detailing their careers and what they’ve learned about human prehistory through fieldwork and excavations. I’d also like to hike part or all of the Pacific Crest Trail. What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I have a pretty sizable baseball card collection and Garbage Pail Kid sticker collection, both pop cultural pursuits from the ’80s. Kerri Finlayson embodies learning and adventure, igniting students’ curiosity about culture and human behavior, daring them to explore. Outside the classroom, she’s a bold adventurer, pedaling through Africa, conquering Kilimanjaro, and unearthing ancient ruins. Her dynamic approach and eclectic passions foster a culture of excitement and self-discovery.North Central’s Alpha Omicron Upsilon Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society made history on the national stage in April, when chapter officers Mark Hoover, Allison Huzek, Kira Miller and Hannah Neff won the prestigious Distinguished Chapter Officer Team award at PTK’s annual conference in Orlando. Out of 1,285 international PTK chapters, only 31 officer teams were selected for the award, which recognizes the exceptional teamwork, leadership and commitment to PTK’s core values demonstrated by North Central’s team. The award capped off a record-setting year for the chapter. Since its inception in 2007, North Central’s Alpha Omicron Upsilon Chapter has alternated between One- and Two-Star status. In 2023, under the leadership of co-advisors Kate Gardner, Chelse Hawkins-Olivo and Erin Sonneveldt, the chapter earned Four-Star status. Under PTK requirements, each chapter begins the calendar year with zero stars. Throughout the year, chapters earn stars by completing projects revolving around scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. Central to the chapter’s success was its college project, the Special Topics Lecture Series, designed to foster connections with faculty and staff while educating NCMC students on various subjects ranging from financial literacy to self-care. PTK members also organized a donation drive for Little Traverse Bay Humane Society and completed professional development courses focused on employment, transfer and research. As the Alpha Omicron Upsilon Chapter continues to reach higher, Hawkins-Olivo hopes this legacy of excellence and service will inspire future leaders. “Kira, Allie, Hannah and Mark demonstrated levels of dedication, teamwork and creativity not previously seen within our chapter,” she said. “They’ve laid a firm foundation, and we’re excited to see how the next officer team will apply their own passion to collaborating with our campus community and engaging with the Five-Star system.” p ASPIRE - YOUR NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE PTK chapter reaches new heights Pictured from left: Allison Huzek, Kira Miller, Hannah Neff and Mark Hoover 67 WWW.NCMICH.EDU Imagine using a “Find and Replace” command — not on your computer but inside your body — adding, removing or fusing molecules together to achieve or avoid a particular outcome. It might sound like science-fiction, but the technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 exists, and it’s already curing sickle cell disease and creating rice plants that are disease- and drought-resistant. Mary Makarewicz ’24 remembers learning about CRISPR-Cas9 in Professor Isis Arsnoe’s biology class at North Central. “Ever since then, it’s been in the back of my mind,” she said. That’s probably an understatement, considering Makarewicz — now studying biology and botany at Northern Michigan University — plans to become a genetic engineer. It’s a remarkable turnaround for someone who said she was “not too fond of biology” in high school. It’s also a testament to the power of mentorship and personal attention Makarewicz found at North Central. A first-generation college student, Makarewicz graduated from Gaylord St. Mary’s Cathedral School in 2021. She knew she wanted to study science but felt unprepared for her next step. “Before North Central, I always believed college was scary and very serious, but it wasn’t like that at all,” she recalled. “North Central felt like home. The faculty are welcoming and genuinely want to see you succeed.” Makarewicz received one of North Central’s most prestigious scholarships, the Presidential Scholarship, honing her leadership skills through the program. “Receiving that scholarship made me believe in myself,” she said. “People who knew me before entering the scholarship program have said they see a huge difference in who I am today: more confident and not afraid to take the lead.” Makarewicz also found support outside the classroom, forming a close bond with academic advisor Shana Kingma. “Shana taught me to never be afraid to ask for help,” Makarewicz said. “Because of her, I learned how to advocate for myself and utilize my resources. Without that, I wouldn’t have gotten nearly as many opportunities as I have today.” Mary Makarewicz came to North Central looking for a stepping stone. She found a sanctuary instead. Cultivating student success I want to focus on making agriculture more sustainable and affordable for farmers, possibly helping the global food scarcity problem we’re facing today. — Mary Makarewicz ’24 “ ” Mary Makarewicz and academic advisor Shana Kingma Continued on page 15Librarian, community leader and North Central alumna Monica Peck ’09 provided the commencement address, encouraging graduates to consider education as a lifelong pursuit. Pier and Renee Borra received honorary degrees of Community and Educational Service in recognition of their contributions to the healthcare field and to the college. 8 Clara Ruthig (left) and her mom, Wendy Ruthig, (right) graduated from North Central’s nursing program together.COMMENCEMENT 9 2024 See more photos, watch the ceremony and browse our list of graduates: www.ncmich.edu/commencement THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES...Next >