Finding opportunity close to home: NoNo Pyne’s Jackson College journey

Choosing Jackson College was the right decision for student NoNo Pyne — and being part of the TRIO Student Support Services program opened even more doors.

Pyne enrolled at Jackson College in 2024 after taking a five-year break following high school. After several years of working — including a year in home health caregiving — the Jackson native decided to give college a try. With the campus close to home, Jackson College felt like the right place to start.

“Looking back, I am so glad I picked it. The campus has its own charm that I really didn’t understand before coming here,” Pyne said.

He began in general studies, working toward an Associate of Arts degree and completion of the Michigan Transfer Agreement. He’s gotten involved along the way, including singing with the college choir, Vocal Point, and tutoring fellow students in the Center for Student Success. He plans to graduate this spring and hopes to transfer to the University of Michigan to study data science.

After learning about TRIO at a Pathways Showcase Day, Pyne decided to get involved. As a first-generation college student, he found TRIO offered meaningful support — including tutoring, academic advising, visits to four-year colleges, service projects, cultural trips, and community-building events.

“TRIO is a real value. There’s a real culture of help and support,” he said. “There are field trips, like to McCourtie Park, that are fun outings. I would never let those go to waste.”

With the support of TRIO and Jackson College, Pyne says enrolling was one of the best decisions he’s made.

“It’s been one great educational journey. Now I think, wow — why did I wait so long?

Jackson College to celebrate new Soccer Complex

Marilynn Fryer

November 2, 2026

Jackson College will celebrate the completion of its new Jets Soccer Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. Students, employees and community members are invited to attend the celebration, which will include a short program, ribbon-cutting, and light refreshments. Located on the Northeast end of the Central Campus, near the…

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Lauren Alaina brings ‘Stages’ tour to Potter Center

Marilynn Fryer

October 28, 2026

Country music star Lauren Alaina will bring her powerhouse vocals and hit songs to Jackson College’s Potter Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. A multi-platinum singer-songwriter and member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2022, Alaina has earned three No. 1 hits, including “Road Less Traveled,” “ONE BEER” with HARDY and Devin Dawson, and…

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JC now offering MIOSHA training

Marilynn Fryer

October 23, 2026

Jackson College’s Corporate and Continuing Education office now offers MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training for local businesses, manufacturers and industry professionals. Now certified to provide the training, Jackson College has three upcoming courses planned, with additional topics expected in the future. The first is MIOSHA Training – Respiratory Protection (Part 451) on…

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2026 Percussion Concussion features local talent alongside Detroit Lions Drumline

Marilynn Fryer

October 22, 2026

Get ready for the 2026 Percussion Concussion, Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:15 p.m. in Potter Center’s Harold Sheffer Music Hall. The Detroit Lions Drumline promises to dazzle the audience, provide pre-show clinics for 12-plus high school drumlines, and close the show with a bang! Local high school drumline performances will showcase the talents of Jackson…

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Concert Band, Jazzy Jets present ‘Spooky Dissonances – Resolve!’ fall concert

Marilynn Fryer

October 15, 2026

Jackson College/Community Concert Band and Jazzy Jets will combine band and jazz favorites, popular music and Halloween-inspired selections for Spooky Dissonances – Resolve! on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Harold Sheffer Music Hall, Potter Center. This fall concert will build on a variety of musical styles, from Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Bruno…

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Grand Funk Railroad brings classic rock to Potter Center on Oct. 24

Marilynn Fryer

October 13, 2026

Grand Funk Railroad will bring its high-energy classic rock show to Jackson College’s Potter Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Formed in Flint, Michigan, in 1969, Grand Funk Railroad became one of America’s top-selling rock bands of the 1970s. The group continues to connect generations of fans with their enduring hits, including “We’re…

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