Jul 27, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Terri Gustafson! During our Zoom licensing renewal, Terri saved the college a significant amount of money with her negotiating prowess. Additionally, she represented NMC on 9&10 News, speaking to the college’s AI strategy.
Kudos to Skylar Berry! I want to share thanks with Skylar because he is always willing to take the extra step and seek a solution. Today, Skylar helped me with a student situation that could have left the student with a balance and unable to adjust her fall schedule. He took the extra moment to review her file and found an alternative solution so she can continue with her final semester at NMC. Thank you for going above and beyond, Skylar!
Kudos to Angie Adamick, Robin Maloney, Ronda Russell-Yanski and Stephanie Liss! Thank you to the custodial team who jumped in and helped rearrange TJNIC 106/107 when weather forced a last minute location change to the Rotary Lunch. Their willingness to get the job done and help ensure a successful event was much appreciated!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jul 27, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Lynne Warren, supplemental employee – Music Ensemble Accompanist
- Rob Reed – Adjunct Visual Communications Instructor
Jul 20, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Zach Whitaker, Rachel Urkowitz, Sam Boase-Miller, Patrick Quinlan, Uriah Petersen, Danielle Quinlan, Lexi Galla, Bill Czyzyk, Bridget Munroe, Lisa vonReichbauer, Heather VanStratt, Kelly Yauk, Joan Sodini, Wayne Moody, Jim Nelson and Shannah Vergote! A massive thank you to everyone who built the float, took down the float, drove the route, played the tunes, and walked the parade to hype up the crowd while giving out swag. Seeing the joy on people’s faces—especially our alumni spotting the float and sharing their connection—was the absolute best. Everyone represented the college with so much pride and energy. Cheers to a job well done and a ton of fun had by all!
Kudos to Heather VanStratt, Krista McCarty, Shirl Martin, Amy Shamroe and Elizabeth Sonnabend! Heather VanStratt, Grant Manager & Community Coordinator, with the support of Krista McCarty, Shirl Martin, Amy Shamroe, and Elizabeth Sonnabend, led the quarterly meeting of The Northern Michigan Attainment Collaborative (NOMIAC) on July 15th at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. With over 35 members in attendance, organizations like Manthie Construction, North Central Michigan College, Char Em ISD, and Crystal Mountain among many others were represented. The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (SCBF) gave a powerful and informative presentation about their work which they described as being the “foundation” or layer before students could succeed in the strategic pathways laid out by the NOMIAC.
The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (SCBF) is a national nonprofit headquartered in Michigan that strengthens schools, justice, behavioral health, and community systems through a neuroscience-informed approach to human behavior.
In addition, Gaia Pampu from Third Sector, presented about the work she is doing with Maggie Bacon and BEST Benzie, and Heather VanStratt, to build out funding opportunities for adult learners. This is a LiLA (Lifelong Learning Account) initiative, much like a MESP 529. BEST Benzie will be piloting an Earn to Learn model this year, which is an 8 to 1 tuition match for Benzie residents ages 25+ with no post secondary education. All members were welcome to bring promotional materials and share about their upcoming events.
The NOMIAC Heathcare Strategic Pathway is set to launch in December, 2026 (after NMC prepares to launch the blended Healthcare Pathway this fall).
Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend and Heather VanStratt! Elizabeth Sonnabend has spearheaded and launched a high-demand program for regional employers, Industrial Sewing. The story was picked up by 9 & 10 News on July 15, 2026. The program has been a long time coming due to a lack of regional instructors and the need for equipment. Elizabeth worked with Diane Arnold of Neuco Furniture & Upholstery and has worked with two of her employees to become our Industrial Sewing trainers.
In addition, Elizabeth has worked with several local companies such as Tent Craft, TC Canvas, Warbird, and others to utilize equipment and for their input on curriculum. The press release has already caught the attention of other employers in the region. Registration is open for a cohort of 8-10 students this September – October. A second cohort will run in the new year. Kudos to Elizabeth and Heather VanStratt for stitching together this program over the past year!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jul 20, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Brooke Adcock – TSSOM Culinary Intern
- Jordan Muzzy – Residence Hall Manager
- Don Trilla – Groundskeeper
- Tiff Falls – Adjunct – Audio Tech Instructor
Jul 13, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Garrett Croon and Security! Super Kudos to Garret Croon and the IT Security Team for security for reserving/enforcing our parking lot for our employees during the Cherry Festival! A wonderful perk for employees and not an easy job for our Security Team.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jul 13, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!
- Lil Anderson – Hagerty Center Events Coordinator
- Cherline Barnum, supplemental employee – Food Service Back of House
- Nikolas Burkhart – Adjunct – Art
- Emily Fitzpatrick, supplemental employee – Banquet Cook – Hagerty Center
- Alaina Frank, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
- Madeline Mcchesney, student employee – Lobdell’s Kitchen & Dining Room
- Rojan Meno, supplemental employee – Food Service Back of House
- Benjamin Moore, supplemental employee – Food Service Back of House
- Jack Shiner, supplemental employee – Food Service Front of House
Jul 13, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Austin Corbin, supplemental employee – Enrollment Services Assistant
- Brandon Thompson, supplemental employee – Food Service Back of House
- Austin Dietel, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Dakota Mummey, student employee – Enrollment Services Office Assistant
Jul 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
On Thursday, July 16 at 8:30 a.m. NMC’s Employee Wellness program is hosting another book swap in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 203 (the fireside room in NMC’s library).
Think “Blind Date with a Book” meets the gift-stealing fun of White Elephant! Here’s how it works: Just bring a wrapped book (gently used is best). When you arrive, you’ll fill out a label with a few clues: Genre, Fiction/Non-Fiction and 3 words to describe it. Then, the unwrapping (and stealing) begins!
Plus, indulge in a continental breakfast to make your morning even sweeter.
Jul 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Jul 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Matt Hirsch, Denver Peters, Lisa Cooper, John Lutchko, Scott Swan and Merrick Adams! NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute was invited to apply to the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) Consortium Membership. If accepted, NMC would be the first community college recognized as part of the CIGLR network. A CIGLR membership would result in opportunities for applied research grants, fellowships, undergraduate research experiences and program graduates. In addition, it would recognize GLWSI’s contribution to workforce education and applied research support at a national level and position the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center for future success. We would be in the company of some of the most elite research universities and organizations in the nation. Hats off to this team that developed a comprehensive and compelling application in just a matter of weeks, responding with agility and professionalism. The turnaround time was impressive but the teamwork even more so! Fingers crossed!!!
Kudos to Christa Abdul-Karim, Robb Houston and Elizabeth Sonnabend! Thank you for your outstanding leadership throughout our Aotearoa Adventure: New Zealand’s Geological and Cultural Wonders journey. Your organization, enthusiasm and attention to every detail made the experience seamless and unforgettable. Your passion for sharing New Zealand’s incredible landscapes and rich cultural heritage inspired all of us and made each day an adventure. From transportation and accommodations to handling unexpected changes with grace, your hard work allowed us to fully enjoy every moment of this amazing adventure. Your kindness, professionalism and positive attitude made a lasting impression on everyone in our group. Together, you created an extraordinary experience that combined breathtaking geology, fascinating culture and unforgettable memories. Thank you for making our Aotearoa adventure truly one of a kind!
Kudos to Lauren Marchany! Kudos to Lauren Marchany for always having a positive attitude while working at the Hawk Owl Café! She does a great job of keeping items stocked, answering questions and helping when needed. Thank you for all you do!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jul 6, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Nikki Foster, supplemental employee – Residence Life
- Kate Becker – Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Bran Hurst, supplemental employee – Writing and Reading Center Reader
- McKagen Chio, supplemental employee – Tutor
Jun 30, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Do you want to get some extra steps in to meet your goals while connecting with colleagues? Join Brittany Hanbury from Human Resources for an employee wellness walk around the Civic Center loop! The route is approximately one mile and is a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy some fresh air and catch up with coworkers.
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- Tuesday, July 7, 12:15 p.m.
We’ll leave promptly at 12:15 p.m., so grab your water bottle and meet us outside the Dennos! We hope to see you there!
Jun 29, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Denny Nguyen! Denny Nguyen went over and beyond with the setup and tear down of the Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19. Denny just showed up and helped out with anything that needed to be done.
Kudos to Nick Roster, Tiffani Wilke, Cheryl Bloomquist, Melissa Thiebaut, Kim Anderson, Tamella Livengood, Jim Morse, Patty Cron-Huhta, Les Eckert, Lisa Blackford, Tricia Lincoln, Jim Bensley and Tanja Wittrock! A huge thank you to the faculty members who led or co-led this year’s study abroad experiences across four different countries: Kenya, Italy(x2), Guatemala and Scotland. Because of their dedication, 65 students had the unforgettable opportunity to experience new cultures, engage in discipline-specific fieldwork and grow personally.
Kudos to Brittany Hanbury! Kudos to Brittany Hanbury and HR for organizing the employee wellness yoga. It was a great class!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jun 29, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These colleagues have moved on to a new chapter in their lives. We wish them the very best as they navigate a new adventure, and we thank them for their time and dedication to NMC!
- James Coughlin – Science & Math Instructor
- Benjamin Ertle – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Jeremy Maloney – Groundskeeper
Jun 29, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Harley Burkhard, student employee – Fitness Center Staff
- Austin Meiste, supplemental employee – Aviation Maintenance Technician
Jun 19, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Zach Whitaker! On June 5, Zach Whitaker organized a Pitspitters Night at Turtle Creek Stadium for NMC Alumni and employees. It was a great event and it was nice to have an event where employees, alumni and their families could come together. Just wanted to let Zach know that the event was very appreciated by those in attendance.
Kudos to Brittany Hanbury! Kudos to Brittany Hanbury for all her efforts and support with the NMC Walking Wellness Challenge! I’m looking forward to the next one.
Kudos to Koleen Kerlin-Spigarelli, Melanie Griffith, Skylar Berry, Paul Schoppe and Lisa Eiden! Another successful season of study abroad recently concluded and we would like to recognize the following people for their work in helping to make it happen:
- Koleen Kerlin-Spigarelli and Melanie Griffith,(Student Health Services) for their work in ordering and administering medications, often at a reduced rate for the Kenya team.
- Skylar Berry (Financial Aid), Paul Shoppe (NMC Foundation) for their work investigating and distributing qualifying scholarships to our students. Additional financial support from NMC can often make or break a student’s decision to participate in what can be a life-changing opportunity.
- Lisa Eiden (Student Financial Services) for her work in making sure all student financial strings were tied up prior to departure.
Kudos to Marina Call! Marina’s steadfast commitment to seeing through many components that allow a safe and successful study abroad program to be offered annually is highly commendable! Her attention to various logistical details in making international payments, developing schedules, marketing opportunities, working individually with students and overseas providers (often in Spanish or Italian!) to align interests and alleviate anxiety, and following through with faculty, staff and community members is greatly appreciated.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jun 19, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Stephanie Archambeau, supplemental employee – Music Department Box Office Manager
- William Lobsinger – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Carlos Gomez – Aviation Maintenance Mechanic
Jun 19, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Join NMC Wellness and Yen Yoga for an invigorating outdoor yoga class beneath the pines. This course is free to NMC employees and will be led by Leslie Simionescu from Yen Yoga. Embrace the fresh air, connect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and body. All skill levels are welcome. Start your journey to relaxation and wellness with us today. One lucky attendee will win a brand new yoga bag!
Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m.
Outside of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
In the event of rain we will relocate to the gym in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building
Register
Questions? Email bhanbury@nmc.edu
