NMC Foundation announces 2009 Barbecue scholarship winner

TRAVERSE CITY - Melinda Burnias of Lake Leelanau won the special scholarship awarded by the Northwestern Michigan College Foundation in conjunction with the 54th NMC Barbecue.

Burnias said she plans to give the scholarship to her daughter, who is no stranger to NMC.

Tiffany Burnias was selected last year to participate in NMC's Upward Bound program, which helps prepare students to complete a college degree.  Tiffany is currently in her first year at Suttons Bay High School.

"I am very fortunate to have won such a great gift -- especially during these extremely hard times," Melinda Burnias said. "It is such a privilege to live in a community that comes together and gives even in these times of need. It is also a relief that I will be able to keep my daughter home a little longer! I don't think I can say this enough...Thank You!"

The NMC Foundation decided to continue the scholarship drawing this year since it was so well received during the 2008 Barbecue. "The NMC Foundation deeply appreciates the community's support for all facets of the college, from the Barbecue to the Dennos Museum Center to our Annual Campaign, scholarships and special gifts," said Kathleen Guy, Executive Director of the NMC Foundation. "We're here for the community, and we are here because of the community."

Attendance at Sunday's Barbecue was up considerably over recent years. The total number served was 10,055, which included 435 who received home-delivered meals through the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging. The number served through this important service has grown each year since starting in 1998, and jumped by 100 this year.

Proceeds from the 2009 Barbecue will fund a number of special campus projects, including:

  • Computer-based diagnostic equipment for Automotive Technology
  • Digital radiography equipment for the Dental Assistant program
  • A "duct blaster" to train people how to test for energy efficiency
  • A new system for recording and sharing classroom lectures online
  • A three-dimensional printer for the Art, and Drafting & Design departments

The NMC Barbecue has raised more than $1.5 million for campus project. Due to the generosity of Oleson Food Stores, which donates all of the food for the event, all proceeds are used in support of NMC.

The NMC Barbecue is held the third Sunday in May each year. Next year's Barbecue will be May 16, 2010.

For more information

Paul Heaton
Director of Public Relations
(231) 995-1019

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