Bay College students and employees who were slated to attend the Achieving the Dream DREAM 2025 Conference in Philadelphia. At left, from left, in front are Dr. Amy Reddinger, Lara Ryan and Ruth Bradway; in back are Deanna Robinette, Penny Pavlat, Dr. Nerita Hughes, Jillena Rose, Skyler Newman and Tanner Brown.

ESCANABA — Bay College nursing students Skyler Newman and Lara Ryan were chosen to attend the recent Achieving the Dream DREAM 2025 Conference in Philadelphia, along with a group of seven Bay College employees.

This event Feb. 18-21 brought together leaders in higher education to discuss student success, institutional transformation and the power of community colleges in shaping the future.

As a Leader College of Distinction, Bay College has been actively engaged with ATD since 2007. The college is currently part of the Diversifying Nursing Pathways grant through ATD, which supports nursing students through dedicated advising and resources.

As part of this initiative, Bay College representatives presented a poster on the nursing program and participated in a panel discussion on grant-supported advancements in nursing education.

Newman and Ryan, nominated by nursing faculty for this honor, joined staff in representing Bay College at the conference. They were to take part in various activities, including a student-focused closing session aimed at enhancing student engagement and success strategies.

Newman, who resides in Kingsford and will graduate with his associate degree in nursing in May, said he appreciated the opportunity.

“I am honored to be invited to this conference, and I am genuinely excited about what we will learn and bring back to Bay College. The nursing program is challenging, and I look forward to discovering new ways to support future students in their success. I love the passion that the Bay College faculty has for our program, and I know we will work well together to improve student outcomes. The support and sense of community I have felt at Bay College have been incredible, and I am grateful for the encouragement from faculty and staff. I feel truly valued as a student, which has made a tremendous difference in my journey.”

Ryan, from Crystal Falls, is set to graduate in 2026. She shared her enthusiasm about attending DREAM 2025, saying, “I feel privileged and thankful for this opportunity. I hope to gain knowledge from other schools that can help nursing students at Bay College. I am excited to meet other students, hear their stories, and learn how different schools support nursing students through their challenges.”

Both students were eager to network with fellow attendees, gain insights into best practices in nursing education and explore new strategies for student success. They also looked forward to immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia.

“Bay College is thrilled have Lara and Skyler as a part of the team going to the Dream Conference in Philadelphia” says Dr. Amy Reddinger, vice president of Academic Affairs and Educational Equity at Bay. “Participation in this conference signals the students’ commitment to academic excellence and professional growth. Our full participation in DREAM 2025 is a testament to the Bay’s ongoing dedication to fostering student success and innovation in nursing education.”

Bay students Skyler Newman and Lara Ryan.