CULTURE, CUISINE & CONVERSATION — APRIL 16 AT NCMC

PETOSKEY, MI – North Central Michigan College is gearing up for a vibrant International Day celebration on Wednesday, April 16, packed with culture, conversation, food, and film — all in support of students participating in the college’s Mexico Field Studies trip this May.

Everyone’s invited — students, community members, and guests — to take part in a variety of events that highlight global cultures while helping students fund their educational travel experience. Events at a glance are:

• Bake Sale - 8:30 – 10 a.m. | Borra Learning Center Lobby Start your day with a sweet treat! Students heading to Mexico will be selling homemade baked goods, with all proceeds going toward their travel expenses.
• Coffee & Connect - 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Room 122, Borra Learning Center Enjoy coffee and conversation with an inspiring couple whose careers have spanned the globe. Ambassador Tom Miller is a seasoned U.S. diplomat who served as ambassador to Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a career spanning nearly three decades in the Foreign Service, he’s been at the forefront of international diplomacy. Bonnie Miller is an educator, consultant, and passionate advocate whose global work has focused on social justice, refugee support, anti-trafficking efforts, and youth empowerment. Together, the Millers have led impactful lives dedicated to diplomacy, education, and humanitarian change.
• International Food Fair - 12 – 2 p.m. | Iron Horse Café Taste the world! Enjoy a global buffet created by the college’s culinary team. $5 for students/$10 for community members.  All proceeds go toward helping students cover the cost of their Mexico Field Studies experience.
• Movie & Panel Discussion - 4 – 7 p.m. | Room 122, Borra Learning Center Watch the thrilling South Korean action-horror film Train to Busan (Rated R), followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion. The 2016 hit blends social commentary with gripping action — and zombies — making it the perfect springboard for conversation. The panel discussion, led by history and movie club students and Blake Morley, will follow the movie.

This daylong celebration supports students enrolled in Mexico Field Studies, a 3-credit hour course that fulfills a social science requirement. Led by Professors Kerri Finlayson and Joe Leestma, the class will travel to Mexico from May 14–24, exploring topics like Aztec archaeology, the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and the country’s rich political and culinary history.

“Please join us in celebrating the vibrant connections between people, food, culture, and film, all coming together to honor the spirit of global connection, states NCMC professor, Kerri Finlayson.  “As NCMC students raise funds for their interdisciplinary field studies class to Mexico, we celebrate the transformative impact that travel can have in broadening hearts and minds.”

About North Central Michigan College:

North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey with additional offerings in Cheboygan, Gaylord, and online. North Central’s mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education to the benefit of all. An Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Gold by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, North Central is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Learn more at www.ncmich.edu.