News Release from Northwestern Michigan College 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City MI 49686 Contact: Paul Heaton, 231 995-1019, email: pheaton@nmc.edu Date: March 13, 2008 News & Events

2008 NMC Barbecue funding recipients selected

TRAVERSE CITY – The Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue Board has selected the college programs which will share nearly $40,000 in funding from the 53rd annual barbecue, set for May 18 on main campus.

College employees submit proposals for Barbecue funds to support program and equipment needs. A subcommittee reviews and recommends proposals to the Barbecue Board, a group of 35 community volunteers. This year’s recipients are:

• Automotive Technology Dept. – new anti-lock brake traction control training system - $8,750
• Heath Occupations Dept. – new IV pumps for nursing lab - $6,000
• Communications Dept. - English language wrap-around program for adult immigrants - $5,040
• Music Dept. – Hardware to link classrooms to digital recording studio, expanding recording capacity - $5,000
• Student Services – Student Engagement Incubator Fund - $5,000
• Science and Math Dept. – Data collection sensors for biology labs - $4,000
• Milliken Auditorium – stage lighting improvements - $3,450
• Campus Services – Planting trees to replace those lost to emerald ash borer disease - $1,500
• Art Dept. – New film drying cabinet for photography classes  -$1,099

The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate the food. About 10,000 people attend every year, raising more than $1.4 million for college programs and equipment over the years.

NMC expects to serve the 500,000th guest at the 2008 Barbecue. To celebrate, the college is holding a drawing for a full tuition scholarship. Anyone who buys a ticket is eligible to enter. The scholarship winner will be drawn from all entrants on Barbecue Day, May 18. The tuition offer is good for 10 years and may be redeemed by anyone the winner chooses.

In addition to the traditional menu of buffalo steakettes, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, ice cream, coffee, milk and soda served from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 18, free live entertainment is provided throughout the day. Children’s games and activities will also be provided and both the Dennos Museum Center and Rogers Observatory on Birmley Road are open to the public free of charge.

Tickets for the event are $5 in advance and $6 on Barbecue Day. For ticket information, contact the NMC Office of Institutional Advancement at (231) 995-1020.