NMC Alumni Updates — 2000-2009

Arietta, Bryan (2 years, May 5, 2001) — Traverse City, MI
I am graduating! I want to maintain relationship with NMC and hope that this will afford me the opportunity to keep up-to-date until my return to Traverse City in June of 2003.

Arvizu, Kahla (May 5, 2001)
Going to NMC was a great experience. I still miss it sometimes. If anyone I was on SGA with, or that I had class with sees this email me, I would love to hear from you!

Aurand, Laura (June 2003-May 2006) —Traverse City, MI.
I graduated from the Visual Communications program at NMC! I will miss my third home (the art building) but I will be back! I would like to end up in Chicago one day maybe, right now I am building expirience in graphic design, photography, and film making.

Britton, Joel Allen (2002-2005) — South Boardman, MI
Transfered to The University of Western Ontario's piano technology program. Graduated and spent the summer working for the Boston Symphony at the Tanglewood Muisic Festival.

Britton, Kathy (2001-2003) — Traverse City, MI
I graduated from NMC with my Associates in Arts & Science in 2003 and transferred to Central Michigan University to obtain my Bachellors in Fine Arts with an emphasis of Graphic Design. I currently work for The Pool Doctor & Elite Pools of Traverse City doing their marketing and advertising.

Burnett, Katherine (2000-2002) — Toledo, OH
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University in 2004. Currently I am attending graduate school at The New University of Toledo. In the spring of 2007, I will graduate with a degree in Arts and Science. In the future I plan to move to Washington D.C. and continue my education. My years spent at NMC were priceless and one of the best experiences of my life.

Bursian, Mark (1996-2003) — Handan, Hebei Province, China
Received Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification from the China Ministry of Education (Beijing, PRC) - January 2008
Received Foreign Expert Card from China Ministry of Foreign Experts Affairs (Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, PRC) - April 2008
Received Residency Permit from Handan Munincipal Public Security (Handan, Hebei Province, PRC) - May 2008
Teaching English Language classes for the Handan Chuang A School. The school has 7 locations throughout the city of Handan (pop. 1.8 million), with a student enrollment of 10,000 students. Ages range from 6 to 17 years old.

Cannon, Thomas (1989-2003) — Chicago, IL
1100 N. Dearborn St. Apt #1504, Chicago, IL. 60610
Currently living in Chicago with my wife and serving in the US Navy.

Christof, David (1998-2001) — St. Cloud, MN
I came, I saw, I fell in love. NMC has given me the power to conquer the world. The support I have received here will carry me much further than my own dreams used to. I am currently at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota but I will always remember the place where people's hearts are so big! Thank you NMC!

Coen, Justin (1997-2000) — Grand Rapids, MI
I am now attending Grand Valley State University working towards my state teacher certification in Special Education. I enjoyed my time at Northwestern Michigan College, and I recommend what this institution has to offer to everybody.

Custer, Maria (2001-2004) — Traverse City, MI
I graduated from NMC in 2004 with an AAS in Visual Communications. Afterwards, I attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and worked as a Motion Graphics Designer for WDIV-TV. I moved back to TC in 2006 to work as a Graphic Designer at a local ad agency, Greenlight Marketing. I am getting married next year. And my hair is long again. And I like tomatoes now. Gimme a holla.

Davis, Melissa (2003-2006) — Ithaca, NY
After receiving my ASA at NMC in 2006, I went on to Cornell University (yay! Ivy League) to persue my bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, with my concentration in genetics. I will be graduating in 2008 and plan on persuing MD/PhD degrees in Biomedical Sciences, again studying the genetics of human disease. I am hoping to get into Johns Hopkins University, Yale University of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, or University of Michigan.

Davis, Shara (2001-2005) — East Lansing, MI
I am currently attending Michigan State University to finish my Bachelor's Degree in Zoology. I'll be done in the spring of 2009, YEAH!

Dickinson, Lindsey (Guy) (2000-2002) — Phoenix, AZ
NMC prepared me very well for my experience as a history major at the University of Virginia. After graduating from UVA in 2004 I became a Teach for America Corps Member in Phoenix. Since the fall of 2004 I have been teaching third grade in South Phoenix. In the spring of 2006 I earned a Master of Education degree from Arizona State University.

Eimers, Jackie (2003)
Graduated from NMC Finally!! Work for a University and love it!!!!!

Franklin, Chris J. (1997-2000) — Howell, MI
I look back most fondly at my years at NMC - all of the wonderful experiences, and all of the friends made. The atmosphere there was one of friendship, support, and ample room to shine for everyone with the spirit to try. My experiences at NMC certainly made possible so much of what I dreamed of, I am better for having been there, and even in the tumult of the everyday there I find moments when I miss those days very much.

I am now a Fight Director with Art of Combat, inc., one of a small handful of stage combat organizations in the world whose mission is to bring historically correct representations of combat to the stage and screen in a safe, dramatic and exciting manner.

All that I learned at NMC was invaluable in shaping my teaching style, understanding of craft, and dedication to perfection of the art.

Gahsman, Brian William (1999-2001) — Minneapolis, MN
NMC gave me a great education and stepping stone which will last the rest of my life. Transferred to Western Michigan University on an academic scholarship. Received an BBA in Quantitative Financial Analysis from WMU in 2004. Currently live downtown Minneapolis, MN working for The Leuthold Group, LLC in the capacity of Securities Analyst / Trader and pursuing CFA for Portfolio Management.

Geer (Galla), Judy (1980-1982, 1997-Present) — Traverse City, MI

Heuze, Jereme (1999-2000)— Chico, CA
I have graduated from NMC in 1999 and 2000. Since this I have finished my BS in Applied Computer Graphics at California State University Chico in 2005. I am currently working for Trimble Navigation Limited a GPS company providing devices for businesses in many fields. I am an Associate Web Producer.

Hundt, Laurie (1997-2000) — Whitehall, MI
After receiving my AA and AAS (Vis Com) I attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. I earned my BFA in Visual Communitation with highest honors in 2002. After graduation I worked as a supervisor and graphic designer at a print shop. In 2005 I had my second daughter and I am currently a stay at home mom who does occational freelance.

Kitchen, Tony (2002-2004) — Hancock, MI
I graduated from the University of Missouri in May of 2007 with a B.A. in English. While at Mizzou, I worked as a sports editor for one of our student newspapers for one year. The last two years were spent as a coaching intern with Missouri's football team. We went to two bowl games (Independence Bowl in 2005 and the Sun Bowl in 2006). I hope to work in the same capacity in the Fall of 2007 with Michigan State's football team. I plan on attending law school in the Spring of 2008. I hope to use my law degree to be a sports agent.

Lijewski, James (2004-2006) — Grand Rapids, MI
Currently I am attending GVSU's Seidman College of Business in Grand Rapids. This past summer I've completed a 90-mile non-stop bike ride and was planning to drive back up and enter the race in Leelanau county but it conflicted with my schedule so I was unable to which bummed me out, I guess there's always next year. After I gradate with my bachelors degree I may pursue a masters or further in within a few years from that.

Lougheed, Ryan T. (1998-2001) — Westminster, CO
Law Enforcement class of 2001., B.s. Business -Davenport Univeristy, MBA- Regis University

Lyon, Jonathan (1998-2000) — After NMC, I attended Michigan State University two years and received my bachelors. I am graduating with my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Virginia this May (2007) and have accepted a postdoctoral position in the molecular physics department at the Fritz-Haber Institute (Berlin, Germany) starting in August.

Marshbanks, Gerald (2005-2007) — San Antonio, TX
Doctor Overbaugh prepared me for my current semester (Freshman Tri) of the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, thank you very much!

McGarry, Patrick (1997-2000) — North Carolina
Was in charge of Distribution of the NMC newspaper. Work now in the Triangle- Raleigh, North Carolina area for a big health insurance Agency.

McKenzie, Cathy (2000-2002) — Ohio
Hi- NMC was my home for my first two years of college and I am proud to still call that area home. I have left Michigan, but only for a short while. I finished my bachelors at CMU. I am currently in the Masters of Divinty program at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

McMullen, Megan (1998-2000) — Chicago, IL
I recieved my BA in Art History from Western Michigan University in 2002. In 2004, I recieved my MA in Arts Administration and Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus on technology and its future in the arts.

Mills, Christopher (2002)
I am currently finishing up my Bacholar's in Dietetics from Michiagn State University and will pursue a Masters in Human Nutrtion in the fall of 2006.

Minaker, Amanda Pazzanese (1998-2001) — Arlington, MA
Graduated from Art Institute of Boston with a BFA in Photography. Currently serving a year with AmeriCorps in Boston, where my husband and I live.

Moore (Snow), Nicole (2001)
Received ADN in 2001, enjoying working as an RN.

Morey, Ryan (1999-2001) — Lansing, MI
After NMC I went to MSU and recieved a BA in Business Administration and I'm now attending MSU College of Law and will graduate in May. I hope to come back to the Traverse City area to practice.

Myrick, Bryan (1998-2001) — Holland, MI
I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2003 with a degree in Sales and Marketing. I currently work for Woodland Realty in Holland selling residential real estate.

Nelson, Holly (1998-2000) — Thompsonville, MI
I rec'd a Presidential Scholarship to NMC, and got my Associates Degree in Visual Communications in 2000. I then went on to continue my education at Grand Valley State University and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Photography. While there I also rec'd "Outstanding Student in Photography". Since graduating in 2002, I have continually worked in the art field, and participated in the local art community, trying to get my name known. I just opened my own gallery last year, Gallery 31, and have the largest collection of my photographs showing there along with approx. 15 local artist. I specialize in local photography scenes, mostly nature and landscapes and it all started at NMC when I took my first photo class!! Please check it out at www.gallery31.net.

Nixon-Gray, Elizabeth (2001-2005) - Bourbonnais, IL
After Graduating from NMC, I was married to Nathan Gray in June of 2005. I got a job in the Information Technology Department at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais IL. I had a baby boy two days before our first anniversary in June of 2006 and continue to work at Olivet as my husband persues his a degree in Pastoral Ministry.

Osga (Douglas), Sandie (2005) — Thompsonville, MI
I am currently enrolled at Davenport for my BA in Entrepreneurialship, I plan on getting my masters degree and possibly my PhD in Business. I am going to miss all of you and am thankful that I got the opportunity to attend and graduate from NMC. I will keep all of you posted on my status as I move on from NMC. My husband and I are in the process of starting our own Machine Shop.

Paladino, Louis (August 2002 Till May 2004) — Houghton MI

Paladino, Stephen (12-21-02) — Traverse City MI

Papillon, Erreca (2002-2005) — Traverse City, MI
Will be attending Ferris to pursue my BA

Parafin, Steve (1999-2002) — Elk Rapids, MI
I graduated from NMC in 2002 with an AA in Hotel / Resort Management; After graduating I received a job in Sales for Marriott Hotel Corp. then onto Hilton Hotels as an Assistant General Manager. I have been with Exit Realty since 2004 and I am currently living in Elk Rapids. To my former alumni, feel free to contact me to just shoot the breeze or if you are thinking about selling or buying a home or property please feel free to give me a call. 231-264-9833. I truly owe my success to NMC and it's advisors, Thank You! Visit me online www.steveparafin.com

Parker, Marilyn (Thornley) (1999-2001) — California
I graduated from TCHS in 1993 and eventually returned to NMC to complete my A.A. in English. I most recently moved to Southern California. I live in the San Bernardino mountains with my husband Devin, whom I married in October of 2002. I hope to finish my B.A. as I have time and resources.

Parr, Linus (2002-5) — Plymouth, MI
I graduated in Dec. 2005 from NMC's Visual Communications Dept. and finished my BFA at College for Creative Studies in May 2008. NMC was a great stepping stone to my new career as an Art Director! I would love to hear from anyone I went to school with at NMC, email me!

Pinzon, Carlos (2004-2006) — Traverse City, MI
I obtained a A.A.S degree as well as the culinary degree. I will attend The French Pastry School in Chicago on july 2007.

Pollock, James B. (2 May 2003 ) — Bethesda, MD

Poniatowski, Crystal T. (1999-2001) — Traverse City, MI
2006-second place in the state wide ASID design competition. B.A., in interior design, MSU Alumni, ASID Allied member.

Potter, Bill (1998/2002) — Sault Ste Marie, MI
I am working as an Area Coordinator at LSSU, I love it up here. Thank you NMC, for many great years.

Potter, Marie (2002) — Bellaire, MI
Northwestern Michigan College is a great place.

Rifenbark, Jerry (Dec. 2002)
Attending GVSU for education.

Schroeder, Pamela (2000-2003) — East Jordan, MI
I decided on NMC to study computers. However, I have oddly enough, changed fields. I just recently completed my State Test, and became licensed as a Certified Nurse's Aide. I still reside in my hometown, and am currently employed by the county's long-term care facility.

Sporck, Maggie (1999-2002)
Spring 2002 AA from Northwestern Michigan College
Spring 2005 BS Biology Education from Ferris State University
Spring 2005 BS English Education from Ferris State University
Fall 2005 Began MS research in Botany at the University of Hawaii at Manoa

Stavros, Elan A. (1999-2001) — Haslett, MI
Since 2004, attorney with McClelland & Anderson, LLP, Lansing, MI. 517/482-4890. September 3, 2006 married David P. Nichols of Freeland, MI, Ph'D candidate at Boston University in Religious and Theological Studies. Name changed to Elan Stavros Nichols.

Tanner, Kerri (Aug. 2000- Dec. 2002)
have my bachelor s degree in Crime Justice, specializing in Juvenile Justice, with a minor in Sociology. My area of expertise is in Juvenile probation and counseling.

Todd, Katherine (1998-2001) — Cadillac, MI
I recieved my Associates Degree in 2001 and went onto Spring Arbor University at the University Center. I then recieved my Bachelors Degree in Family Life Educaion in 2004. I am currently work in the court system of Northern Michigan.

Walter, Jennifer (2001)
I will be graduating from Ferris State University with a degree in Environmental Health and Safety Management.