BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Community College President Michael “Mickey” Parish was the man of the hour during the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new BMCC classroom and faculty building located behind the library on the BMCC campus.
Over 75 crowded into the commons area and hallway of the new building to help celebrate the grand opening. Representatives from Congressman Bart Stupak's office, Senators Carl Levin's and Debbie Stabenow's offices attended, while Stupak's representative presented Parish with a Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians flag, which Parish passed to Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Ken Hopper to hang with all tribal flags.
After an opening song performed by the Bear Creek Drummers and a welcome by Parish, Tribal Chairman Jeff Parker, Tribal Vice Chairman and Chairman of the BMCC Board of Regents Allyn Cameron spoke, followed by Levin rep, Diana Charles, Stabenow rep, Sheri Davies, USDA Rural Development rep, Donald Gerrie and District 7 Chippewa County Commissioner Dick Timmer.
The ribbon was cut by Board of Regents Student Council Regent Mary McGrath.
A wonderful luncheon catered by BMCC's own Jeanne Reffruschinni followed.
Named for the Great Turtle, Mikanuk Hall honors a tradition of the path to knowledge in the Great Lakes — the heart of the turtle.
The 10,500 sq. ft. academic facility boasts six classrooms, seven faculty offices and a state-of-the-art chemistry lab with all the amenities including a vending and commons area. The entire building is wireless, said BMCC Science Instructor Bob Dickenson, and all classrooms include laptops for the students.
