CEA brings fresh produce to the Food Pantry
With help of a $125,000 Swipe Out Hunger grant, the Controlled Environment Agriculture program is helping bring fresh, nutritious produce to the NMU Food Pantries. Professor Lehren Olk-Szost is overseeing two students, Lilly Brooks and Raymond Greimel, in a directed study as they service, maintain, and harvest the greens produced in hydroponic systems.
Lilly and Raymond are growing three kinds of lettuces, cilantro, basil, and mint, providing pantry visitors with freshly harvested and immediately usable ingredients.
“It's really awesome to know that we're doing a positive thing by providing fresh and healthy options for those facing food insecurity,” said student Raymond Greimel of Petoskey, who works alongside Lilly Brooks of Monroe on the directed study project. “Food pantries mainly have non-perishable items, so it's great that we're able to grow greens and herbs that are not shipped from who knows where and make them easily accessible. It's also cheaper and more sustainable to grow produce on campus.”
CTOS Faculty earn two prestigious awards
Professor Kirk Guckenberg of Welding Technology is this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award. Kirk is the embodiment of a leader, and his approach is simple yet powerful: positive reinforcement, unwavering support, and a commitment to shared education. He serves as a source of motivation for students, alumni, and colleagues alike, working tirelessly to ensure the university continues to grow and connect with our community and that students are inspired to pursue their best work for generations to come.
Professor Sarah Lee of Cannabis Operations & Plant-Based Wellness is this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Online Teaching Award. She is truly at the forefront of education, pioneering work in two of the most dynamic spaces today: cannabis education and online learning. As a trailblazer, she champions the ethical use of AI across our campus and beyond. Her success proves that distance education is in miles alone and she is able to foster deep connection with students, faculty, and industry professionals with ease.
Professor Sarah Lee, Cannabis Operations & Plant-Based Wellness, Excellence in Online Teaching Award
Professor Kirk Guckenberg, Welding Technology, Excellence in Leadership Award
Food Service Operations & Hospitality Leadership Students x Delft Bistro Collaboration
Our Hospitality program students were put on the main stage with four dishes featured at local restaurant the Delft Bistro. Students participated in a competitive challenge where they were required to conceptualize, develop, and produce composed dishes, the winning dishes earning spots on the Delft's December menu.
Construction Management students build Kristkindlmarkt
For their senior project, Tristan Pauna, Sam Kinney, Mike Garza, Max Blamey and Kole Dymond constructed the first of hopefully many collapsible huts that will be part of the U.P.’s first Kriskindlmarkt in Ishpeming (coming in 2026!).
Student Feature: Emma Recknor
Emma Recknor graduates this Winter 2026 semester with a uniquely diverse academic profile, earning degrees in both Psychology and Welding. Her journey into the trades began unexpectedly when she took a welding elective; though she initially found the craft to be a significant challenge, she refused to back down. Bolstered by the dedicated mentorship, leadership, and support of the welding faculty, Emma transformed her initial struggles into a championship-level mastery of the craft. This "growth mindset" became the blueprint for her entire collegiate career. Beyond the workshop, Emma has applied that same tenacity to her roles in the Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP), as a Resident Assistant, and as a dedicated athlete. Emma leaves a legacy of resilience, proving that with the right support and a drive to succeed, any obstacle can be forged into a strength.
