Success story: Vaccination incentives bring relief to students

Two frontline adult learners got another boost toward their college goals last week — a semester’s worth of tuition in NMC’s Big Win giveaway.

“This has been such a relief. I cried when I first found out,” said Sarah Sergent, 37, of Traverse City (above), a first-year student in NMC’s Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program. She currently receives the Futures for Frontliners scholarship, which covers in-district tuition toward an associate degree. Since Marine Technology is a bachelor’s degree, however, some of the classes she’ll take next year won’t qualify under Frontliners.

NMC awarded $30,000 in tuition, housing and bookstore gift certificates to students who submitted proof of COVID-19 vaccination as an incentive to do so. Throughout the pandemic, NMC has prioritized student and employee safety while minimizing the disruption to learning. Students who were vaccinated by Sept. 30 were eligible to enter. More than 900 did.

Kelley Nelson, 38, a Computer Information Technology student from Bellaire (right), won the other tuition prize. Nelson also receives the Futures for Frontliners scholarship. She is taking livestream online classes due to her full-time job in the IT department at Boyne Highlands Resort. That option is the only way she could pursue a degree, and she’s grateful NMC offers it.

“I’m just slowly chugging along,” she said. “I love it. The teachers are great, everyone’s super helpful.” Read more »

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrated

Tribal dancers including NMC alumni and current Water Studies student Cheerie McSauby (second from left) performed on main campus Monday. Meanwhile the Dennos Museum welcomed 182 visitors with free admission. Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories runs through Wednesday, Oct. 20. Close to Home: Contemporary Anishinaabek Artists runs through Sunday, Oct. 31.