Kirtland

Kirtland Regional Police Academy Recognizes 36th Graduating Class

Public Information Office — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:33:09 +0000

The Kirtland Regional Policy Academy (KRPA) recognized the Winter 2013 graduating class at a commencement ceremony on May 3. The 12 academy cadets comprising Class 36 were joined by family, friends and staff at the Kirtland Center for Performing Arts to honor both group and individual accomplishments.

Cadet Osika Receives KRPA Director’s Award

Before receiving individual awards and diplomas, cadets and guests listened to speakers Tom Grace, KRPA Director, State of Michigan Assistant Attorney General David C. Cannon, and Class 36 cadet Austin Martin. “This is your opportunity to make a momentous contribution to our society,” said commencement speaker Cannon. “As the first responder on the scene, reassure our citizens that help has arrived and they are safe. Show respect and encourage others to respect our legal system.” In his address, Cadet Martin thanked the family members and friends who supported the cadets of Class 36, saying, “Thank you for your time, patience and commitment. Through your love and support, we were able to fulfill our dreams.”

Families Celebrate KRPA’s 36th Graduation

Following the speaker addresses, members of Class 36 were recognized for a variety of accomplishments and awards. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Outstanding Performance Award was given to Austin Martin and Ryan Osika received the KRPA Director’s Award. For physical fitness, Randall Howe received top honor for the first in class award and Terrence Sterzer was recognized as most improved. Alan Davis received first in class and Rodney Foster was recognized as most improved for defensive tactics. Cadet Branden Kirby received the Top Shooter award for marksmanship, Michael Cochrane was recognized as Most Improved Shooter and Rodney Foster was honored for Patrol Tactics.

Members of the Winter 2013 KRPA Class are: Michael Cochrane (Cadillac), Alan Davis (Mt. Pleasant), Rodney Foster (Gladwin), Bradley Haske (Posen), Randall Howe (Gwinn), Branden Kirby (West Branch), Kevin Kissinger (Boyne City), Austin Martin (Sault Ste. Marie), Ryan Osika (Petoskey), Terrence Sterzer (Cedar), Cameron Vasher (Prudenville) and Matthew Wilson (Mio).

Annually, more than 3,000 students attend a variety of health science, occupational, skilled trades, two-year and transfer degree programs at Kirtland’s locations near Roscommon, Kirtland-Gaylord, Kirtland-West Branch and in Tawas. Kirtland also offers a wide range of online courses and degrees, all of which can be completed from home.

The KRPA can be contacted at 989-275-5000, ext. 348, or by visiting our website at www.kirtland.edu.

Out With the Old. In With the New.

Public Information Office — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:36:48 +0000

With graduation just a week away, we’re getting ready to send a fresh crop of graduates into the world. We still don’t have an answer for age-old question “where does time go,” but it sure does fly. This Week @ Kirtland, we’re catching a glimpse of what’s in store for the next school year…and beyond!

Mio’s Thomey Signs on for Kirtland Basketball

Kirtland basketball coach, Ty McGregor, has spent the high school basketball season on the lookout for future student-athletes who are Kirtland material. From the looks of it, we’ll see a lot of students from across northern Michigan joining the Firebird next fall. National Letter of Intent signing dates for prospective 2013-14 student-athletes kicked off (or dribbled off, as it were!) off on April 17 and Coach McGregor has been getting those signatures on paper all week long!

According to McGregor, the following students have already signed up to attend Kirtland in the fall:

Erica Buchner – Pine River
Emily Gerrow, Marysville
Jo Hamiln – Grayling
Tabitha Kibby – Kalkaska
Sarah Lueck – Kingsley

Nate Castor – Traverse City West
Sam Javed – Traverse City West
Reece Koepke – Bellaire
Kendrick Meyer – Traverse City West
Micah Thomey – Mio
Jeremiah Williams – Traverse City West

McGregor expects to sign six to eight additional students within the next two weeks.

College Exploration Day @ Kirtland

Looking a little beyond the 2013-14 school year, Kirtland was excited to host 8^th grade students from our local high schools for College Exploration Day last week. More than 500 students, counselors and chaperones from Houghton Lake, Roscommon, Grayling, Surline, Rose City and Fairview visited Kirtland to learn about the cool career training available right here @ Kirtland. In sessions exploring art, automotive, cosmetology, English, health sciences, math, mechatronics, surgical technology, welding…well, okay…in 24 different sessions, future students spent the day learning about all of programs available at Kirtland to prepare students for the future. Check out Kirtland’s Facebook page for a cool photo gallery (http://on.fb.me/14Wyd8P), or watch this cool YouTube video (http://bit.ly/182Rrpk) to see students competing in a “Pit Crew Challenge!”

So, as we get ready to harvest a fresh crop of graduates, it’s nice to see what seeds are sowing for new crops to come. Don’t get me wrong, soon-to-be Kirtland Grads — we’re glad you’re here, but we’re even happier knowing what you’re capable of doing OUT THERE. Next week, it’ll be all about YOU!

To learn more about the programs, advising, testing, financial aid and other services available to students, contact 989-275-5000, extension 258, or visit us online. And, as always, you are invited to drop in and check us out at www.kirtland.edu, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/kirtlandcc, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kirtlandcc.

Your future. It’s closer than you think. And it all begins @ Kirtland!

Kirtland Selects Horton as 2013 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

Public Information Office — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:20:35 +0000

Kirtland Community College will honor Clay Horton as the Outstanding Alumnus for 2013. Horton, Director of Community Education and an instructor at Kirtland, has a long-standing affiliation with the institution and will receive his award at the college’s 44^th commencement ceremony on May 3.

2013 Outstanding Alumnus Clay Horton

Horton was nominated by fellow instructor, Sinan Toprak, who prepared an in-depth and thoughtful submission summarizing Horton’s 45-year history with Kirtland. “I discovered Kirtland when my teacher, Fay Bovee, informed our class that my father was enrolled in the very first class at Kirtland Community College in 1968,” said Horton in his commencement program biography. “Eight years later, I enrolled at the Roscommon campus and started my education in Speech and Theater.”

After receiving an Associate Degree at Kirtland, Horton transferred to Central Michigan University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree. He then worked in the recreation industry managing a boating and fishing business before teaching communication classes for Kirtland in 1987. Horton also began teaching computer science classes in Roscommon and for the Corrections program in Crawford County, becoming the program contractor for the college and the State of Michigan. Qualifying as a Weinrich Scholar, Horton received his Master of Science in Career and Technical Education from Ferris State University.

Horton considers himself a pioneer in technology at Kirtland, responsible for working with many departments in the early adoption of computers. While Director of Technology for Community Education, he created numerous courses for adults and senior citizens. And, in 2010, he became Director of Community Education and liaison to the district’s creative economy coordinating off-campus activities and course offerings at various locations in the Kirtland service area. While not working, Horton is an avid supporter of music, the arts, and the outdoors.

In his nomination submission, Toprak fully outlined the vast educational, employment and community involvement experience qualifying Horton for this award. “I could think of no other person at Kirtland who deserves this appreciation and has earned the recognition of becoming the “outstanding alumnus” of the year,” said Toprak. “I wanted everyone to know just how much Clay has given to the Kirtland community.”

Awarding the Outstanding Alumnus award is based on meeting or exceeding the selection criteria qualifications which include: education beyond the Kirtland experience; professional accomplishments; involvement in community activities; leadership; and post-degree involvement with Kirtland or in the field of education.

To learn more about the programs, advising, testing, financial aid and other services available to students, contact 989-275-5000, extension 258. For more information on Kirtland Community College, contact Sarah Madonna, Director of Public Information, at 989-275-5000 ext. 242, or visit our website at www.kirtland.edu.

National Recognition for Kirtland’s Honor Society. How Distinguished!

Public Information Office — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:29:06 +0000

We are always looking to share the tens, hundreds, even thousands of world class and distinctive things happening at our school. This Week @ Kirtland, we’ve got something very cool to share. Very distinguished, as a matter of fact! A big CONGRATS! to Terry Geary, who is the advisor for Kirtland’s Phi Theta Kappa student honor society. At the 95^th annual Phi Theta Kappa convention in San Jose, Calif., Terry was selected to receive the Distinguished Advisor Award for her service, commitment and leadership of Kirtland’s Alpha Omicron Gamma Chapter.

Geary Receives Distinguished Advisor Award

Nominated by Phi Theta Kappa students here at Kirtland, Terry was one of only two advisors in the state to receive this prestigious national award. Unfortunately, Terry was unable to attend and receive her award in person. Luckily, Kirtland Alpha Omicron Gamma Chapter members Brandy Howe and Trish Sanders attended the national convention, along with 92 fellow Michiganders representing 18 honor society chapters from schools throughout the state. In front of 5,000 convention attendees, Brandy accepted the award on Terry’s behalf and she and Trish quickly shared the exciting news with Terry via text message!

“I’m just so proud. I can’t say how much it means to me,” said Geary. As an advisor, Geary is used to seeing and supporting the students’ efforts to reach various recognition goals. “Seeing what our honor students go through to achieve Phi Theta Kappa Five Star levels of recognition for the chapter is incredible,” said Geary.

To nominate Geary, board members Brandy Howe (President), Kevin Howe (Vice President/PR) and Trish Sanders (Treasurer/ Secretary) completed an online application and submitted an essay explaining why Geary deserved consideration. Additionally, President Quinn prepared a letter of recommendation to be submitted to Phi Theta Kappa’s main office. “I’m so honored the students took the initiative to nominate me for this award,” shared Geary.

As advisor for Kirtland’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society for the past six years, Geary’s goal is to keep students on task, facilitate ongoing and open communication, foster learning and growth, and help students recognize those things which will make them successful beyond their life as a student. With between 50-75 new members each year, Geary believes she has influenced the lives of close to 400 students during her tenure as advisor.

“To see them grow as students is very rewarding,” Geary said. “They work so hard on behalf of themselves, the Alpha Omicron Gamma Chapter and the college. Achieving and continuing to maintain Five Star chapter status is such an accomplishment and shows tremendous commitment by our students.”

To qualify for Kirtland’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society, students must achieve a 3.5 GPA and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Geary invites qualifying students to join and helps them complete the required registration and membership paperwork required at state and national levels. To learn more about Kirtland’s Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Omicron Gamma Chapter, contact Terry Geary at terry.geary@kirtland.edu or 989-275-5000, ext. 359.

Congratulation Terry! You are, indeed, a very distinguished advisor and your recognition is well deserved! Keep up the great work on behalf of current and future honor society members!

Your future. It’s closer than you think. And it all begins @ Kirtland!

Kirtland to Offer Certified Nursing Assistant Training in Tawas

Public Information Office — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:23:18 +0000

Kirtland will offer its popular Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course in Tawas beginning in Summer 2013. The six-credit-hour certification course, currently available at the Roscommon and Gaylord locations, is expanding to provide increased access to high-demand skills training in the growing healthcare field to the residents of Tawas and surrounding communities.

Through an agreement with the Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency (IRESA), Kirtland’s six-credit-hour CNA course will provide hands-on classroom instruction and clinical training to prepare students to take the state Certified Nursing Assistant certification examination upon successful course completion. During the summer semester, classroom instruction will be on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the IRESA, located at 27 N. Rempert Road, Tawas City, Mich. Clinical training at nursing home sites will be held on July 13, 20 and 27.

Registration for the space-limited program at all three locations (Roscommon, Tawas and Gaylord) is open now and the Summer 2013 semester begins May 16. More information is available at http://www.kirtland.edu/academic-programs/certified-nursing-assistant-course, or by contacting anne.essmaker@kirtland.edu or 989-275-5000, ext. 416.

Annually, more than 3,000 students attend a variety of occupational, skilled trades, two-year and transfer degree programs at Kirtland’s locations near Roscommon, Kirtland-Gaylord, Kirtland-West Branch and in Tawas. Kirtland also offers a wide range of online courses and degrees, all of which can be completed from home.

To learn more about the programs, advising, testing, financial aid and other services available to students, contact 989-275-5000, extension 258, or visit online at www.kirtland.edu.

Kirtland Student and Faculty Art on Display at West Branch Art Walk

Public Information Office — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:43:29 +0000

More than 20 Kirtland Community College students and faculty members are participating in the West Branch Art Walk and Wine Tasting from 5 – 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. Eighteen businesses in downtown West Branch will host area artists and their work along with Michigan wine and hors d’ oeuvres.

In a long-standing tradition of participation, Kirtland’s Art Department will be well represented again this year by the following current students, former students and faculty members:

Lisa Balbach, Kaylea Blamer, Julie Conforti, Dana Doll, Patricia Edwards, Dan Feldhauser, Howie Genaw, Gail Gilder, Peggy Greer, Julia Kaake, Justin Ladoux, Connie Leymen, Deb Loar, Kris Maisonville, Harry Middleton, Ericka Nichols, Jason Nuttal, Candice Older, Paula Patnode, Scott Rice, Pat Riegle, Trish Sanders, Pamela Schanck, David Warner and Rose White.

Kirtland art instructor Scott Rice is excited about the Art Walk and the benefit for his art students. “This venue provides a great opportunity for students to get a taste and feel of displaying their work in an art show,” said Rice. “Whether it is setting up a display, talking to art lovers or selling works of art, the West Branch Art Walk is a hands-on lesson where students can learn and develop as they pursue an education in the arts.”

For more information about participating businesses and artists, or to request more information on the event, visit www.westbranchevents.com/Art-Walk—Wine-Tasting.html.

To learn more about the programs, advising, testing, financial aid and other services available to students, contact 989-275-5000, extension 258, or visit online at www.kirtland.edu.

Home for the Summer? Be Our Guest!

Public Information Office — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:39:02 +0000

With summer just around the corner, you’re probably thinking about how you’ll spend your time during some of the finest days northern Michigan has to offer. If you or your student is attending a four-year college or university, the sun-filled days of summer may find you working, travelling, or just passing time until the fall semester begins. This Week @ Kirtland, you’re invited to be our guest – a Guest Student, as a matter of fact.

Guest Students earn college credit at a fraction of the cost

Registration for Kirtland’s summer and fall semesters is now open. As a college student home for the summer, if you are looking for a class or two to help you stay on track – or even get ahead of the game – take time to check out what Kirtland has to offer. At our locations in Roscommon, West Branch, Gaylord and completely online, we have the math, psychology, sociology, history, economics and various science classes you need to pick up a few extra credits this summer.

Coming home for the summer is great, and the convenience, flexibility and affordability Kirtland provides is a perfect combination for Guest Students. Plus, Kirtland’s in-district tuition rate is one-third the cost of the four-year schools – that’s a huge savings. And don’t worry, Guest Student credits transfer to your school! Stay on track AND save money? A win-win situation for sure!

Being our Guest is easy:

Obtain a Guest Student Application from the college or university you are CURRENTLY attending
Provide proof of residency
Obtain Letter of Acceptance
Satisfy pre-requisite courses
Register for classes
Pay for classes
Purchase books
Go to class and get involved
Get your Student ID card

Advisors in Kirtland’s Student Success Center can start you on the way to being a Guest Student this summer. Talk with an advisor, get registered…and get ready to enjoy the rest of your summer!

No matter where you call your northern Michigan home, you are welcome to be our Guest! Learn more at http://bit.ly/Tr9TXH.

High school students earn credit through dual enrollment

But wait…there’s another kind of guest we love at Kirtland! Did you know high school students can earn college credit through dual enrollment? If you’re interested in finding out how you can earn college credit while still in high school, meet with your school counselor to get your dual enrollment form completed. Another important thing to know – many high schools may pay for some or all of the college tuition costs. Plus, applying for dual enrollment admission at Kirtland is FREE! Check out http://bit.ly/XrBeL3 to learn all about dual enrollment!

So, whether you’re a college student home for the summer or a high school student with your sights set on college, Kirtland offers some great opportunities to earn college credit. Be our Guest! You’re always welcome @ Kirtland.

Your future. It’s closer than you think. And it all begins @ Kirtland!

Community Scents. And Good Sense.

Public Information Office — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:13:47 +0000

Bringing unique opportunities for learning to the communities we serve is something very important to us. This Week @ Kirtland, we saw students at the Grayling Elementary School sniff their way around while learning about wolf packs, thanks to the efforts of naturalist and retired Kirtland instructor Tom Dale. And, while we weren’t howling and learning about habitats, we welcomed local expert Tika Cowie to help cultivate our growing interest in organic food, hoop houses and four-season farming.

Wolf Songs with Tom Dale

The kids especially enjoyed using their sense of scent and body language to find their “pack” during Tom’s presentation – just like the real wolves do! Using different scents placed on cotton balls in small plastic canisters – and no talking! – these kid-wolves sniffed their way around the room until they found the pack that smelled just like their own canister. These packs then linked arms and went off to stake out their own habitats. What a great way to learn about wolves and how they adapt and survive! (to see more…check out the photos posted on the Kirtland Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kirtlandcc!)

And for a dose of good sense, Kirtland instructor Jen Sieszputowski brought Tika Cowie out to the Roscommon campus to present an awesome session on organic gardening – How to do it. Where to start. And why organically-grown foods make good sense for young and old alike! Tika’s family runs the Cleaner Living Farm in Mio, MI. Not only is she passionate about good food, she is willing to share her knowledge with our students, staff and community members. In addition to teaching us about organic foods, Tika keeps a positive personal blog about organic farming, experiences with four-season organic farming, hoop houses, season extension, sustainability, self-efficiency, self-reliance, homesteading, food preservation, health promotion, wellness and much, much more!

Organic Gardening with Tika Cowie

The Cleaner Living Farm wants to cultivate your understanding of organic farming, hoop house greenhouses and branching out into four-season farming, and Tika and her family are passionate about feeding our community. Kirtland is glad to have an amazing resource like Tika – thanks for the visit! If you’re ready to start putting your interest in organic farming into good sense, check out the Cleaner Living Farm blog at http://bit.ly/YJA3aA or join their Facebook following at http://on.fb.me/1047yB8.

Your future. It’s closer than you think. And it all begins @ Kirtland!

KIRTLAND ANNOUNCES NURSING HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES

Public Information Office — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:42:12 +0000

Officials at Kirtland Community College recognized 12 registered nursing (RN) students as inductees to a new nursing honor society this week. Kirtland’s Phi Chapter of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society was successfully charted by the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (N-OADN) in 2012 and these exceptional students represent the first chapter inductees at Kirtland.

Nursing Honor Society Induction Ceremony

During a ceremony attended by inductees and their families, Kirtland health science faculty members recognized the hard work, dedication and commitment to nursing exhibited by these inductees. “Your schooling may be almost complete, but remember that your education still continues,” shared instructor Nancy Pavelek. “Your desire to learn and pursuit of knowledge will culminate in quality patient care ad that is, after all, the goal of nursing practice.”

The nursing and health sciences faculty worked diligently on behalf of the students and the college to fulfill the requirements needed to form an honor society charter. “We appreciate your hard work and your commitment to your students, your peers, and Associate Degree Nursing,” said N-OADN representative Harriet McClung upon informing Kirtland of being successfully chartered as the Phi Chapter of the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society.

To qualify for the honor society membership, candidates must:

Have a 3.0 overall GPA
Have attained and maintained a 3.0 GPA in all nursing courses
Have demonstrated conduct on campus and in the clinical areas that rflect integrity and professionalism

Inductees received an honor society pin and cords to be worn at their commencement and formal nursing pinning ceremonies.

Inductee’s List

Stacey Doyle (National City)

Tammy Brandt (Harrisville)

Amy McClelland (Houghton Lake)

Rebecca Jakubowski (West Branch)

Lisa Fritz (West Branch)

Jody Montague (West Branch)

Dean Guoan (Whittemore)

Renee Wojdan (Frederic)

Theresa Maliskey (AuGres)

Christine Suiter (Atlanta)

Charlett Hanson (East Jordan)

Kelly Stosio (Rapid City)

Spring Break. Service Learning Style.

Public Information Office — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:06:59 +0000

Ahhhhh…the invigoration of a fun-filled, sun-filled spring break. This Week @ Kirtland, we are back to the books, full of fresh energy and ready to keep pursuing our educational goals after a much-needed spring break. Maybe your break was spent at home. Or, maybe you were lucky enough to take a quick trip. For a group of Kirtland’s Service Learning students, spring break meant a trip to New York to help others.

Kirtland’s Alternative Spring Break in New York

Kirtland’s AmeriCorps*VISTA, Sarah Johnson, is the person who spearheaded the movement to get some Kirtland students involved in an alternative spring break focusing on the social issue of “Housing Insecurity.” Sarah was joined by Kirtland instructor Katie Beckman and eight students: Shantel Lansford, Jordan Yaklin, Sean Weeks, Sophie Butcher, Cindy Graham, Nathan Stockmeyer, Alex Baudoux and Jill Orzechowski.

Using the power of the internet, Sarah found three non-profit organizations in New York to put this group to work, as well as a church in Brooklyn to provide housing during their stay. “We partnered with three different non-profits: New York City Council Against Hunger (NYCCAH), Covenant House, and Habitat for Humanity,” said Sarah. “We spent the first day with NYCCAH, assembling binders of information and resources regarding hunger in New York City. Day two was spent with Covenant House, an organization that provides food, housing, job training, clothing, childcare, etc., for youth affected by homelessness. We sorted donations and helped some of the youth pick out clothing for job interviews. The final three days of the break were spent with Habitat for Humanity. We primed and painted several units in a condo in Brooklyn.”

Kirtland is part of the nationwide non-profit alternative break organization called Break Away. Break Away partners with approximately 175 chapter schools (and only six community colleges – way to go, Kirtland!) to pursue its vision of creating a society of active citizens. Nonprofits help Break Away fulfill its mission of training, assisting and connecting campuses and communities in promoting quality alternative break programs. During their service trip, Kirtland’s group provided about 35 hours of service work.

“As a group, they really seemed to enjoy the Habitat project,” said Sarah. “We were able to partner with several AmeriCorps members from around the country. Our students were able to hear about other people’s experiences following college and how they chose to do service work projects. We especially enjoy the physical labor projects – it is very rewarding to see the work you’ve completed and just how much you are helping these families.”

And, because hard work deserves a little reward now and again, the Service Learning group was fortunate to find some free time for sightseeing as well. Other highlights of the trip included visits to Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial, a Staten Island ferry trip to view the Statue of Liberty and roaming the exciting streets in Times Square.

So, whether you relaxed at home, on a sunny beach or in a big city, hopefully spring break left you with an extra spring in your step. Maybe you can find a way to channel some of your renewed energy and lend a hand to someone in your neighborhood or community. Don’t be surprised to find that helping others can be a great way to help yourself!