News

By Alex Freeman, MCC Communications Specialist

SIDNEY — Several Montcalm Community College students and staff members met with state legislators during the Michigan Community College Association Capitol Day on April 17 in Lansing. 

The annual gathering invites representatives from all 31 of Michigan’s public community colleges to attend and meet with their local legislators in their offices to discuss various action items regarding their institutions. Among the MCC student representatives were the three student government officers — Kailey Ingraham, president, RaDeric Guy, vice president and secretary, and Logan Codling, treasurer. 

The day started with a gathering at Heritage Hall — an event space at The State Capitol. Participants met for a brief introduction and breakfast followed by a group photo at the steps of the Capitol building. From there, the MCC group headed to the Binsfield Office Building, where the majority of the Michigan Senator and administrative offices are housed, to meet with Senator Rick Outman. 

Though Senator Outman is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, his support for Montcalm Community College was clear from the decor in his office, proudly hanging two MCC banners on his walls. Throughout the meeting, Senator Outman made his support of the college well known and evident. 

“Making that connection with them about our campus, saying things that resonated with them about our institution and having that shared experience about things going on here at MCC, that was really special,” Ingraham said. 

The group then headed to the Anderson House Office Building to meet with Representative Pat Outman. Representative Outman’s story hit close to home with the student government officials, as he attended MCC before transferring to Ferris State University. 

“He took the same path that I’m currently taking, starting at MCC and transferring to Ferris State University,” Ingraham said. “It’s reassuring to see that and to know that I can achieve my goals, as well.” 

“He’s taken the path that a lot of people are trying to take,” Guy added. “He wasn’t on a path to a governmental career when he was in high school, but coming to MCC really set him on a new path forward and he’s certainly made the most of the opportunity.” 

Representative Outman was appreciative and very thankful for his time at MCC, stating that it was the best education he received throughout his academic career. 

“That was cool to hear and really reassuring,” Codling said. “He mentioned a few of his former MCC instructors by name, it’s cool to see the impact they’ve had on his life all of these years later.” 

The father-son duo were gracious with their time and listened intently as the students and staff members spoke about the college’s new student housing project, the large increase in dual enrollment numbers and stories that highlighted both the successes and struggles of the student body. 

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend Capitol Day and represent our student government,” Ingraham said. “We wouldn’t have these opportunities at other four-year institutions.” 

“It was a really cool experience,” Codling added. “This is something I never thought I’d be able to do, being able to go into these buildings and the legislators’ offices, it’s a really unique opportunity.” 

“It was cool to see behind the scenes,” Guy said. “Pat and Rick are normal people; regardless of someone’s political affiliation, they’re just people who are here to help advocate for our institution.” 

The student government officials were accompanied on the trip by student ambassadors Briley Andres and Piper Groesser, Admissions Representative Taryn Muilenburg, Executive Director for the MCC Foundation Lisa Lund, and Dean of Student and Enrollment Services Francisco Ramirez.