Spots are still available for the 2016 NMC “Just For Fun” Golf League! The league will run Wednesdays from May 25 to August 3 starting at 5:40 p.m. at Elmbrook. Cost is $180 for the summer, for nine holes a week for 10 weeks, and you get two free 18 holes of golf if you pay the golf course early.
Contact Alan Beer at abeer@nmc.edu or 5-1071 for more information or to sign up.
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC alumnus John R. Lutchko has been selected as one of only 50 students to receive Western Michigan University’s highest undergraduate academic honor, the Presidential Scholar.
The award puts Lutchko, a 2013 NMC graduate, among the most elite of Western Michigan’s 6,500 seniors. He was selected by WMU faculty as the 2016 
Presidential Scholar in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.
“John was selected from all the students in environmental studies, which includes over 150 students from two majors,” said Dr. Steven Kohler, director of WMU’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program. “He excelled academically, and he has been an outstanding spokesperson and ambassador for the new freshwater major, WMU and our partners at Northwestern Michigan College.”
Launched two years ago, the Freshwater Science and Sustainability program is a collaboration between WMU and NMC. Students who earn associate degrees in fresh water studies from NMC can transfer into WMU’s freshwater science and sustainability program at the University Center to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Lutchko expects to graduate from Western in August and is simultaneously working on a second associate degree from NMC, in Engineering Technology-Marine Technology.
Lutchko, who grew up visiting his family’s cottage on Lake Leelanau, has extensive experience using underwater remotely operated vehicles and numerous underwater sonar systems. During summer 2012, he took part in an internship working for the National Park Service and NMC. He currently works at NMC as the marine technology laboratory coordinator and primary ROV pilot, and he also holds the watershed technician position for the Lake Leelanau Lake Association.
In his role at the lake association, Lutchko collects and analyzes water quality data and monitors wetland permits. He plans someday to pursue a graduate degree in a water-related discipline.
“The Freshwater Science and Sustainability program has allowed me to excel in my position at the LLLA because it has not only provided me with a solid science background, but also a background in policy, economics, and sustainable practices,” said Lutchko. “There is no question the well-rounded program has made me extremely desirable in the workplace, and I have found that employers are impressed by my skill set.”
On his path toward degree completion, Lutchko earned the Marine Technology Society Student Scholarship in 2012, the Marine Technology Society ROV Scholarship in 2013 and the Hydrographic Society of America National Scholarship in 2014 and 2015.
Hans VanSumeren
Great Lakes Water Studies Institute director
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@nmc.edu
WMU Extended University Programs
Tyler Lecceadone
616-776-3511
lecceadone@seyferthpr.com