Kudos to NMC History students Nikoline Sanderson and Tim Siciliano who helped Donna, a Traverse City woman, learn about the father she never knew. Nikoline and Tim researched the role Donna’s father played in World War II and helped Donna learn about her father’s part in the war and how it affected him and their family. Through Nikoline and Tim’s research Donna has been able to connect with her father’s fellow military veterans and piece together a part of her missing father’s life.
Kudos to John Biolchini and cadets Richard Gray and Dan Cairns for safely conducting tours of the T/S State of Michigan for 50 + Cherry Festival little princes and princesses, and their escorts, on Friday 05 July. Assisting all these children, answering questions, and most importantly seeing it done in a safe manner was no small achievement. Most importantly, a great time was had by the little princes and princesses and their escorts.
Kudos to the Water Studies Institute faculty and staff for a very successful professional development series held in early June. The GLWSI hosted a program focusing on the use of advanced acoustics in support of both Search and Recovery (SAR) operations and Marine Engineering applications. Attendees included employees from industries and law enforcement/first responders located across North America (Canada, US and Mexico). The courses are taught by globally recognized experts in these areas. The instructors and participants were overwhelmed with what NMC has to offer – Facilities, people, assets and most importantly, the vision of our institution. As part of this training, several students in the Freshwater Studies and Marine Technology programs participated. Presidents from these companies are offering complete support including course development, equipment donation/use, job recruiting/placement in connection with our Engineering Technology/Marine Technology degree, creating new opportunities for students and high value job opportunities for graduates. Nader Riahi, President of Kongsberg Mesotech was particularly impressed by two of our students, Chris Horvath and John Lutchko. He felt they would be leaders in this industry and if they were to ever start a company on their own, he would provide them with the support and technology to get started. His words were “whatever they need, you let me know”.
These people want NMC to be the premier place for advanced marine technology training in the US and one of a few globally. This professional development program clearly showcased NMC’s many attributes to a wide audience.