Success story: Aiming higher and higher

Alex Swainston’s decision to enroll in NMC last year was as deliberate as her enlistment in the Air Force was spontaneous.

The now 25-year-old was at loose ends in her life when she clicked on an online U.S. Air Force ad in 2015. Her decision wound up being foundational, not only to the next three years, but her choice to attend NMC post-service, and the new heights the honors student is aiming at for herself and daughter Azalea.

“Being in the military was so pivotal for me,” said Swainston, who served until 2018. As president of NMC’s chapter of Student Veterans of America she led virtual Veterans Day ceremonies today.

So it made sense that she would seek a military-friendly school post-service. Originally from Dorr, Mich, south of Grand Rapids, Swainston was impressed with NMC’s No. 2 in the nation ranking for service to veterans and enrolled in 2019. Read more »

19th Amendment Centennial Celebration

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote. NMC marks this anniversary with two upcoming events:

Thursday, Nov. 12:

“A Century of Gender Justice Activism” virtual presentation. Caroline Heldman, Ph.d., chair of Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies at Occidental College will be the guest of Shilo Smith, NMC psychology instructor. Heldman will present a timeline of the last century of gender justice activism with a focus on progress and pitfalls.

• 7 p.m. Zoom Link: nmc.zoom.us/j/94968308718

Friday, December 4:

“The Lesson of the Lark” Virtual Choral Concert. Hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs, the music department, Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs will premier a new concert work meant to uplift and unify.

The multi-movement work composed for narrator, soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name, a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights. Maya James, illustrator for The Lesson of the Lark, attended NMC 2015-2019. 

• 7 p.m. Visit nmc.edu for Zoom link prior to event.