May 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) proudly announces Mark Lundmark and Jayne Mohr as the newest recipients of its highest honor, the NMC Fellow award. Both Lundmark and Mohr are respected community leaders and dedicated philanthropists who have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the college and the greater Traverse City region.
Mark Lundmark ( download high-resolution photo) 
Jayne Mohr ( download high-resolution photo)Lundmark’s expertise as a financial advisor and wealth manager and his commitment to community service have made a significant impact on NMC. His nine years of leadership on the Foundation Board, particularly his work on the Finance & Audit Committee, has ensured the college’s financial stability and its ability to support students for years to come.
A retired Traverse City Area Public Schools associate superintendent, Mohr’s dedication to NMC is exemplified by her 20 years of service on the Foundation Board, including six and a half years in leadership positions. Her influence on the board, coupled with her extensive community engagement, has been instrumental in strengthening NMC’s ties with the region and advancing its mission.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have individuals like Mark and Jayne who are so dedicated to NMC’s mission,” said Laura Oblinger, NMC Board of Trustees chair. “Mark’s financial acumen and strategic thinking, combined with Jayne’s passion for education and her skill at forging connections have been invaluable to the college. They are both truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”
Lundmark’s contributions to NMC include:
- Financial stewardship: A member of the NMC Foundation Board from 2005 to 2022, Lundmark served on the Finance & Audit Committee, playing a crucial role in strengthening the Foundation’s financial policies and ensuring long-term scholarship funding. He designed and created the professionally-advised, balanced fund program that continues to benefit the Foundation today.
- Leadership in fundraising: Lundmark served as co-chairman of the Advanced Major Gifts committee for the NMC Great Lakes Campus Capital Campaign.
- Philanthropic support: Mark and his wife, Karen, have committed an estate gift as part of Be What’s Possible: The Campaign for NMC, and they are members of the President’s Club and Biederman Society.
- Community engagement: Lundmark’s commitment to the community extends beyond NMC. He has served on the boards of Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan, the Finance Committee of the Central United Methodist Church, and the public board of Munson Healthcare. He is currently a member of the Traverse City Economic Club, the Grand Traverse Area Estate Planning Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mohr’s contributions to NMC include:
- Influential community engagement: Mohr has been a vital link between NMC and local school systems, including Traverse City Area Public Schools and Northwest Educational Services, the intermediate school district. Her involvement with the Rotary Club has provided a platform to showcase NMC leadership and programs. She also played a key role in Be What’s Possible: The Campaign for NMC. Mohr has also served community organizations such as United Way and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Significant philanthropic support: Mohr and her husband, Cal Karr, have a long history of generous giving to NMC, including establishing the Jayne Mohr and Cal Karr Scholarship. They have also supported programs like Taste of Success and other NMC initiatives. They are members of the President’s Club and Biederman Society.
- Exceptional service and leadership: During her 20 years on the Foundation Board, in addition to her elected roles Mohr has served on the Executive Committee, Development Committee, and Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and was instrumental in developing NMC’s new mission, vision, and values. She has also provided invaluable guidance during board and staff transitions and played a key role in many strategic projects.
- Athena Award recipient (1997): Mohr’s leadership embodies the principles of the Athena Award, which recognizes women leaders who demonstrate authentic self, celebration and joy, collaboration, fierce advocacy, giving back, learning, and strong relationships.
Mohr and Lundmark’s combined commitment to NMC and the broader community is evident in all that they do. Their leadership, passion, and dedication make them both truly deserving NMC Fellows.
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded since 1964 to individuals who have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the college, a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the college, continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors.
Release date: May 15, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 12, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon, NMC community –
I’m writing to share the May 11th passing of former NMC President Tim Quinn, a leader whose influence continues to shape our college and community. His thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to student opportunity, and belief in collaborative governance left an enduring mark on NMC.
President Quinn led the college from 1989-1996, a tenure which would prove pivotal for NMC. During his presidency the college established the shared governance structure we continue to use today. It was also under Quinn that NMC successfully passed a Grand Traverse County property tax millage in perpetuity. This stable source of funding is an invaluable resource as the college continues to thrive, thirty years after his presidency.
According to his partner, Shelley Keith, Quinn’s proudest achievements at NMC were the formation of the University Center and the Commitment Scholarship for first-generation college students, back-to-back accomplishments in 1995 and 1996. Since 1996, more than $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 600 Commitment students. Also under his leadership, the Dennos Museum Center opened in 1991. These cultural and community assets continue to benefit all of northern Michigan.
President Quinn came to NMC in 1988 as vice president of instructional services. In addition to his NMC service, he was active in the community, serving on the Munson Healthcare board and as president of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce board.Following his retirement from NMC, Quinn founded the Michigan Leadership Institute, which developed and led the SUPES Academy, an eight-day superintendent preparation program which trained over 435 education leaders in Michigan between 1998-2008.
Quinn earned a Ph.D. from The University of Michigan and was recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his statewide leadership in the field of education. Most recently, he accepted the volunteer role of Director of Donor Engagement for Northwest Ed’s foundation, just established in 2024. The Foundation partnered with NMC and other colleges to provide scholarships for Northwest Ed’s career-tech and special education students.
We are grateful for President Quinn’s many contributions and the vision he brought to NMC. His legacy endures through the programs he launched, the lives he touched, and the community he helped strengthen.
On behalf of the college, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew and worked alongside him. An informal gathering and celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 1-3 pm, at the Hagerty Center. You can read his full obituary here.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
May 9, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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May 2, 2025 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The NMC Library will be open for summer hours from May 3 through August 22. It will be open to students and the public 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The library will also be closed for the Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) and Independence Day (Friday, July 4) holidays.
Apr 30, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
April 30, 2025
In her day job as registrar at Traverse City Central High School, Kerri-Ann Bonaddio sees dual-enrolled NMC students all the time. Two years ago, she decided she needed to join them.
“One day I said. ‘I’m just going to do it,’ ” said Bonaddio, 50, who last sat in a classroom almost 30 years ago at a California community college. “Now that I’m an adult, I realize what it means to have a diploma. To have an associate degree.”
She’ll receive that degree on Saturday. Besides the personal accomplishment of earning her degree, Bonaddio has the satisfaction of knowing it was paid for through Michigan Reconnect. The scholarship program pays for in-district tuition and fees for adults 25 and over who don’t already have a college degree. About 20 percent of NMC’s class of 2025 — 123 out of 565 — are Reconnect students.
Bonaddio is not done yet. After taking a little time off, she hopes to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She advises others considering higher education to pursue it, no matter what their age.
“For those younger students, do it now. For the older students who are returning to school, do it now. There’s no time like the present,” she said.
Younger students have the Community College Guarantee to help them finance their education. Both the high school class of 2025 and 2024 are eligible for the scholarship that covers in-district tuition and fees.
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2025 will be held Saturday, May 3 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel. Other 2025 highlights include:
NMC will also hold its annual Honors & Leadership Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 2 at the Dennos Museum Center.
Apr 30, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Starting Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) will be open to the public from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Anyone else needing access to this building outside of these hours should contact Campus Safety and Security at (231) 995-1111.
Apr 29, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Tenth annual competition spotlights high school IT students; hard and soft skills required
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 100 high school IT students will test their skills at halting hackers, composing code and working under pressure at NMC’s tenth annual IT Olympics, set for May 7 on main campus.
Teams from dozens of schools from Elk Rapids to Cadillac and Mesick to Traverse City are expected to compete in the 2025 event, which consists of four timed challenges: web design, programming, network/security and an IT technical challenge.
The IT Olympics began in 2016, with infrastructure students from Northwest Ed’s Career-Tech Center. It was expanded to include application and web programming students in 2017. In 2018 it again grew to include the Wexford-Missaukee school district. Stephanie Cardwell, a 2014 NMC IT graduate who is now senior network engineer and team lead at Munson Healthcare, is one of the judges.
“It’s important for me to give back to NMC because NMC has done so much for me,” Cardwell said of why she volunteers for the day. Her mother was one of NMC’s first female IT graduates, in the 1990s. Her grandmother also attended NMC, becoming the first woman in the family to earn a college degree.
“We’re three generations of women at this point,” Cardwell said. “Third generation NMC, graduating and really improving our lives as a result.”
She also enjoys seeing the creativity of the students in their responses to the challenges. All team members must compete in at least two of the four challenges. The competition is designed to challenge students to apply both their soft and technical skills. Cardwell stressed that soft skills, like working as a team, communication and presentation are as important as the technical skills.
“Unless you’ve got those soft skills, no one’s going to want to work with you,” she said.
NMC CIT program director Scott Goethals said the Olympics and Industry Night Out, another department event celebrating its tenth year, serve to recruit students to NMC’s program.
“The key for us is building a relationship with the students,” he said. “We want them to get to know the faculty and to learn more about our programs. By building this relationship, we hope they will consider our CIT program when they finish high school.”
IT Olympics opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 in the James Beckett building on NMC’s Front Street campus. Closing ceremonies will be held from 2:15-3 p.m., with prizes awarded for the first, second and third place teams.
Release date: APRIL 29, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 28, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99, and the vegetarian option is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, April 28
Orange Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with mandarin oranges served with rice & Bosco sticks
Orange Tofu & Broccoli Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges served with rice & Bosco sticks
Tuesday, April 29
Asada Pulled Pork Tacos with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa served with refried beans & Spanish rice
Asada Tofu Tacos (V) with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa served with refried beans & Spanish rice
Wednesday, April 30
Spaghetti & Meatballs with marinara sauce and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Roasted Vegetables (V) with marinara sauce and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Thursday, May 1
BBQ Rib Tips served with mashed potatoes & green beans
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks (V) served with mashed potatoes & green beans
Friday, May 2
No Special — Have a great summer break!
NOTE: Hawk Owl Café specials will resume in fall. Find summer hours and selections here.
Apr 25, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC Community,
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders related to higher education. These directives focus on federal accreditation rules, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and reporting requirements for foreign funding. While these national-level changes are still new and evolving, I want to take a moment to connect with you directly, because how we respond, together, matters.
Let me start by saying this clearly: there are no immediate changes required of Northwestern Michigan College today. Our accreditors and federal partners are still assessing the implications, and we are in close contact with the organizations that guide our work. We will continue to monitor developments closely, as we always do, and keep you informed as more becomes known.
You may remember our previous communications during the Trump administration when we shared our commitment to staying informed, upholding our values, and supporting our students and employees through uncertain policy shifts. This moment is no different.
We remain:
- Steadfast in our commitment to student access, success, and belonging
- Attentive to the policies that affect our ability to serve you
- Grounded in NMC’s mission and the trust we have in each other
As of today:
- Your financial aid remains secure
- Our DEIB-related programs and supports in place today continue as they are
- There is no disruption to our operations
If and when that changes, you will hear from us directly. In the meantime, I know the end of the semester is a stressful time for many of you. I want to reassure you that the college leadership team is on top of this, asking the right questions, and connected to the right resources. You do not need to worry or take any action at this time.
Thank you for all you bring to this community. Please take care of yourselves and each other as we move toward the close of another academic year.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Apr 24, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
Since 1995, the University Center has helped thousands of students “start here and stay here,” completing bachelor’s and advanced degrees through NMC’s university partnerships.
Now, we’re beginning the next chapter.
Starting later this spring, our university partners will begin relocating to the Front Street campus, with classes beginning there this fall. This move, informed by our Campus Master Plan, creates a more integrated, student-centered experience that reflects how students access education today.
As part of this transition, the NMC Board of Trustees will consider renaming the University Center to the Boardman Lake Campus at an upcoming meeting. The proposed name reflects the building’s location and will make it clearer to students that university partner offices and classes are now located on the Front Street campus. The name change supports our ongoing evolution from a physical hub to a stronger, more flexible partnership model. This is about partnership, not place.
Some NMC departments will continue to operate at the University Center in the near term. As we shared in our recent all-employee Zoom, we’re also beginning to move some NMC teams out of the Beckett Building and into other spaces like Scholars Hall. At the same time, we’re thoughtfully evaluating the long-term future of the Boardman Lake Campus in ways that reflect both student needs and community stewardship.
Thank you for all you do to support students and help move NMC forward.
Warmly,
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Apr 23, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2025 will be held Saturday, May 3 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
NMC’s Class of 2025 has earned 565 degrees and certificates, including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing. Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology will also be awarded. More than 20 percent of the graduates are recipients of Michigan Reconnect, a statewide scholarship program that offers free tuition to adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree or certificate.
Other 2025 highlights include:
NMC will also hold its annual Honors & Leadership Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 2 at the Dennos Museum Center. Awards to be presented include:
- Academic area awards
- Honors program participants and graduates
- Dr. Kari Kahler Adult Student of the Year
- President’s Possibilitarian Award
- Student leaders of the year
- Recognition of outstanding student groups
- nEXt and Global Endorsement recipients
Release date: April 24, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – text preferred)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 22, 2025 | Student News
Congratulations to the graduates of 2025! Caps and gowns are available at the NMC Bookstore (located in the Health & Science building) and online at bookstore.nmc.edu. Don’t wait—get yours today!
Apr 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Find these audiobooks and more on the NMC Library’s Libby app. If you’re new to Libby, follow these instructions to set up your account.
The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World by Oliver Milman
“[The Insect Crisis] is a somber book, a catalogue of loss and unravelling, but also a lucid homage to the fabulous utility of insects and a critique of our fixation with backbones…If its visions are sometimes mournful, there is also something wondrous in Milman’s revelation of our fragile dependency on insect life as well as its beauty and strangeness.” – The Guardian
Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life by Ferris Jabr
“This exploration of the Earth as a living entity is lyrical, smart, and will make you appreciate our home planet in countless new ways. It’s really a fascinating book.”—Science Friday
Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration by Sara Dykman
“An extraordinary story in which Dykman seamlessly weaves together science, a real love of nature and the adventure and hazards of biking with butterflies from Mexico to Canada and back. They share an epic journey and encounter hardships, but they do not give up. The book is a lament for our thoughtless destruction of nature and at the same time a celebration of the beauty that remains. The migration of the monarch butterflies is one of the wonders of the world—we must save it for future generations.” —Dr. Jane Goodall
How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World by Ethan Tapper
A personal narrative on the importance of forest ecologies by a Vermont forester.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“Braiding Sweetgrass is instructive poetry. Robin Wall Kimmerer has put the spiritual relationship that Chief Seattle called the ‘web of life’ into writing. Industrial societies lack the understanding of the interrelationships that bind all living things—this book fills that void. I encourage one and all to read these instructions.”—Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper, Onondaga Nation and Indigenous Environmental Leader
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake
“Nearly every page of this book contained either an observation so interesting or a turn of phrase so lovely that I was moved to slow down, stop, and reread… This book rocked me into remembering that nature, especially fungal nature, is big and encompassing and creative and destructive. It reminded me that fungi are, like the Universe, sublime.” — Science
Apr 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
A dancer in the 2019 graduation pow wow
(download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2025 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, on NMC’s Front Street campus. This annual NMC event is open to the public and celebrates vibrant and culturally significant Native American tribes of our region. Ten Native American students are graduating this spring.
The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building, and feature Native American dancers, drummers, storytelling, music and more. Food and vendors will also be available. Grand Entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cedar lots. A campus map is available at nmc.edu/maps.
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 17, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nathan Bootz
Native American Student Success Coach
(231) 995-2135
nbootz@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is hosting a mobile panty on from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, April 21 in the Maple Lot at the Front Street campus.
Menu items include potatoes, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, beef stew pouches, granola, juice and a homeward bag to bring it all home!
NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families. Mobile pantries provide 7-10 days worth of fresh and shelf-stable goods to supplement family incomes. While this is intended for students, all are welcome. There are no financial requirements or means tests. Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available.
These pantries are made possible in partnership with Feeding America.
Apr 16, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
April 16, 2025
Since 2023, Traverse City startup Wave Lumina has advanced from an idea hatched in a spare bedroom to building prototypes of its portable, rapid-response PFAS testing device in an NMC lab, submitting R&D funding proposals.
“A year and a half ago, it was just an idea. Now, we’re building things,” founder Vernon Lalone (right) said from Wave Lumina’s lab in NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building. PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, threaten lakes and drinking water. The company is also testing real-world field samples and seeking opportunities for onsite pilot demonstrations at locations like military bases and semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
This year, NMC Marine Technology student and filmmaker Mark Dragovich hopes to replicate Wave Lumina’s upward success arc with his idea, a Khan Academy-like platform for video-based learning modules on freshwater science.
“My goal is to be the Jacques Cousteau of the Great Lakes. Tell the freshwater stories that need to be told,” Dragovich said.
Lalone and Dragovich, both Traverse City residents, are among more than 30 competitors who’ve entered the NMC-sponsored Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge. The innovation and pitch competition seeks to accelerate technology-based enterprises and solutions to issues facing the Great Lakes. It’s the successor to 2024’s AquaHacking the Great Lakes, which NMC also sponsored and hosted.
Wave Lumina placed second in AquaHacking, winning a $10,000 prize. Lalone, 34, an Elk Rapids native, said it also gave the company crucial momentum. So far that’s crested in the lab space at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building. It’s much larger, outfitted with the necessary safety equipment, like fume hoods and safety showers, and gives the company a professional face.
“This has been the most impactful thing that’s happened to us since we started,” he said. “It’s been monumental to helping us make progress.”
In the lab, Lalone’s working on the third iteration of his prototype testing device, scaling it down from suitcase size to something in between a mobile phone and an iPad. With an estimated 120,000 PFAS-contaminated sites in the U.S. alone, affecting the drinking water of half of all Americans, there’s a huge market for a device that tests in the field, faster and more affordably than the current lab-based testing.
Dragovich’s idea is very different. He aims to combine his 20 years as a filmmaker with his passion for the Great Lakes. Drago Research & Exploration would create long and short-format video-based learning modules for K–12 students. Advertiser-free and student-centric, the licensed or subscriber-accessed video content would pair with an experiential learning activity, such as water sampling.
“I think we’ve got a pretty solid idea. I think there’s a need for it in the market,” said Dragovich, who envisions home schooled students as a primary audience. “The experiential learning I’ve gotten through NMC has really shown me how it reinforces what I learn.”
Ultimately Dragovich hopes to inspire future innovators.
“The idea behind all of this is to protect our Great Lakes. “If we can make people fall in love with the Great Lakes, then maybe more people will be apt to protect them,” he said.
The Blue Tech Challenge offers a top prize of $35,000, and a chance to be showcased at the OCEANS 25 conference to be held in Chicago in October.
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Stop by the NMC Bookstore April 28–May 2 and receive an additional 50% off all red tag clearance items.
Apr 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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