Rice Family

Lan Rice was born and raised just a few blocks away from NMC near East Bay, and he and his three sisters (Connie, Kim, and Dorothy “Didi”) all have fond memories of their Traverse City upbringing. The family moved to Long Island, New York from Traverse City during Lan’s high school years, but Traverse City always remained close to his heart. Lan was a loving and dedicated father to his children and grandchildren. An artist, craftsman, lover of the arts, and lifelong Detroit Tigers and Lions fan, Lan always encouraged his children to chase their dreams and choose happiness. Lan lived in New York City and enjoyed time on his boat. The journey of life brought Lan to many extraordinary places all over the world, but he never forgot where he came from.

Prior to his passing in October of 2020, Lan and his family established the Rice Family Scholarship at Northwestern Michigan College. This scholarship benefits NMC students who are pursuing an Associates of Arts (AA) degree with the intention of transferring to a four-year college.

Many members of the extended Rice Family have attended Northwestern Michigan College – including James Andrew Rice “Bop Bop”, Donna Rice “Gigi”, Vincent Rice, James Alan Rice “Lan”, and Timothy James Rice.

NMC provided many members of the Rice family with new beginnings and opportunities to learn and grow. It is the hope of Lan’s children that this scholarship will provide opportunities for deserving students as they begin their higher education journey and pursue dreams of their own.