17³Ô¹Ï

Success story: Hawk Owls soaring

September 11, 2019

One-third of the region’s 40 under 40 winners have something in common beyond being young professionals who positively influence their community — they’ve attended classes at 17³Ô¹Ï.

Thirteen of the region’s 40 most influential leaders under age 40, , attended or graduated from 17³Ô¹Ï.

Illustrating the breadth of programs 17³Ô¹Ï offers, they work in a wide range of fields including banking and financial services, restaurants and hospitality, nonprofits, real estate, education, health care, government, and tourism. They are:

• Max Anderson, assistant vice president, Honor Bank;
• Andrea Deibler, co-owner, Raduno;
• Lindsey Dickinson, director of academic and career advising, 17³Ô¹Ï;
• Ashley Halladay-Schmandt, clinical manager, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency;
• Brandon Hunt, president, Mid-American Title;
• Nicholus Kopacki, site director, GVSU Physician Assistant Studies program;
• Courtney Lorenz, founder, Cultured Kombucha;
• Ben Marentette, city clerk, City of Traverse Clerk;
• Katy McCain, manager, Traverse City Tourism;
• Julie Moore, Physician Assistant, Addiction Treatment Services;
• Christopher Radu, partner, Elemint Wealth Management;
• Amy Shamroe, Jenkins Group and elected city commissioner;
• Nicole VanNess, parking director, Traverse City DDA.

Their resumes point to the value of 17³Ô¹Ï in the community. Through 17³Ô¹Ï’s University Center, Traverse City city clerk Ben Marentette earned both his bachelor’s and MBA degrees.

“You get a lot for your money. 17³Ô¹Ï allowed me to build a career without having to leave the city,” Marentette said.

Other list highlights:

• Seven of 17³Ô¹Ï-connected are also repeat winners: Anderson, Halladay, Hunt, Lorenz, Marentette, McCain and Shamroe.
• The eight women and five men among the 17³Ô¹Ï-connected is similar to the gender balance among the entire 40 over 40 list (22 women and 18 men.) 17³Ô¹Ï’s enrollment, however, is nearly 50-50 male-female.