Recognizing NMC excellence

Northwestern Michigan College has recognized the following employees for excellence in the 2021-22 academic year:

Betsy Boris portrait

Betsy Boris, Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award: Chosen by a student selection committee, award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Comments about Boris, a nursing instructor, included: “Betsy goes above and beyond just teaching. She cares about each student and understands the anxiety we all face.” “She does an amazing job explaining concepts and providing examples of real-world practical application.” “She is very responsive to inquiries and invests time in helping students identify solutions to issues.” Initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970, the award was first made to a full-time faculty member in 1971.

Lindsey Dickinson PortraitLindsey Dickinson, Staff Excellence Award: Nominated by her peers, Dickinson is director of Academic and Career Advising. Several nominators mentioned it’s hard to focus on her work only this year, since Dickinson has such a long and impressive track record, including graduating from NMC. She was described as “one of those key people who is somehow a part of everything important going on at the college,” “one of the strongest advocates for NMC that I’ve witnessed,” and “engaged at every level. She is constantly transforming lives and enriching our community.”

Cary Godwin, Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award: Chosen by a student selection committee, award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Comments about Godwin, an adjunct instructor for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, included: “Commander Godwin’s teaching methods are an excellent example of his dedication to student learning. The school is very lucky to have him.” “He builds a trust with his students that allows us to learn by trying, failing, and trying again because we know Commander Godwin has our back.” The award was created in 1999 as a companion to the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award.

State of Michigan training shipT/S State of Michigan/GLMA team, Team Excellence Award: Nominated by peers, the team was commended for its student-centered response to a mechanical failure on the training ship in May 2021. The State of Michigan had to be towed from the Detroit River to a Toledo shipyard and spent 8 weeks awaiting repairs. It could have delayed graduation, and the careers, of 50 Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets. Instead, the team of John Biolchini, Martin Hughes, Scott Powell, Karl Schroeder, Steph Sedlacek, Chuck Miller, Sue Lieblein, Ben Minor, Sue Denoyer, Judy Druskovich, Karen Ford and Tim Dayton snapped into action, shifting all cadets to commercial ships or other maritime academy ships so they could earn their required sea time and graduate on time. The team also insured that all $1.5 million in costs, from cadet travel to State of Michigan repairs, were covered by the federal government’s Maritime Administration. 

Scott Powell portrait Karl Schroeder portrait Steph Sedlacek portrait Sue Lieblein portrait Ben Minor portrait Sue Denoyer portrait Judy Druskovich portrait Karen Ford portrait Tim Dayton portrait 

Kudos!

Kudos to the Technical Division: MiCareer Quest 2022 a huge success! Thank you to the following Tech Division instructors and support personnel:

  • Welding — Rick Mathis, Ryan Deering, Matt Pickler, Brenna Glinski, Kaylei Johnson
  • Automotive — Wayne Moody and the Bill Marsh Auto group
  • Construction — Phil McCuien
  • Surveying — Jeff Fouch (new instructor for fall)
  • Bio-med — Joe Deeter
  • Cyber Security — special guest Scott Goethals

There was lots of NMC representation from other areas as well and there was a great turn out of around 2,000 9th graders!

Kudos to Alex Bloye/Aviation staff and Diana Fairbanks/PRMC staff for utilizing their training to meet a challenging emergency situation with a safe outcome. Kudos also to Alex Bloye and Diana Fairbanks for handling the communication surrounding the incident. Well done!

Kudos to Cindy Deemer, the Commencement team and all participants and speakers: The new format seemed to be well received and it was wonderful to see a full Milliken Auditorium. Well done!

Kudos to Kari Kahler: Kari has gone above and beyond through this past academic year in establishing a NMC mentorship program with 5th graders at Blair Elementary. Over 30 NMC students have been mentoring a 5th grader and she recently coordinated with Blair to bring the 5th graders to tour NMC for the day and envision themselves as a Hawk Owl someday. The profound impact this program has had on not only the 5th graders, but the mentors as well, will continue to be seen for over their lifetime. This partnership and project would not have been possible without Kari. Thank you, Kari, for being a champion and advocate for NMC and lifelong learning in this community.


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!

Kudos!

Kudos to Dennis Schultz: I came to Dennis at the end of the semester, a busy time for all, and asked him to help me make a video for the NMC Foundation. Dennis went above and beyond in getting me the finished video in a timely fashion, and a production of high quality. Thanks Dennis!

Kudos to Kristy McDonald: Kudos to Kristy McDonald and the BUS 231 Class for a successful Big Little Hero Race! The race was well organized and well attended with many kids (and adults) having a great time! Well done!

Kudos to Wayne Moody: Kudos to Wayne Moody and the Auto Tech program. Wayne invited businesses to attend the semester end Auto Tech BBQ this week. Several businesses attended and interviewed many of the Auto Tech students for jobs. What a great opportunity for both students and the businesses searching for trained staff. Well done!

Kudos to Tracy Welch, Kristy McDonald, Brandon Everest and Kari Kahler: Kudos to the organizers and presenters involved in the Experiential Learning Symposium last week. What a wonderful success. Special thanks to Tracy Welch, Kari Kahler, Brandon Everest and Kristy McDonald for the behind the scenes work. Bravo!

Kudos to Kyle Morrison: Thank you to Kyle Morrison for all the tech support and assistance with the First Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium. His “can do” attitude was amazing and helped make the event successful!

Kudos to Kari Kahler: Congratulations to Kari Kahler for putting on an amazing Student Leadership Luncheon during the ELI Learning Symposium. Her extra efforts to recognize student leaders on campus was heartwarming and inspiring!

Kudos to Jeremy Heinlein: Jeremy Heinlein assisted Kari Kahler in organizing and running the Student Leadership Luncheon during the NMC ELI Learning Symposium. Jeremy’s enthusiasm and communication skills made the event exciting and fun for everyone to celebrate the leaders on campus. Thank you and congratulations!

Kudos to Brandon Everest & Kristy McDonald: Thank you to Brandon Everest and Kristy McDonald (Co-Directors of the ELI) for their commitment to celebrating student learning and growth through the First Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium. Their vision to create an event that embraces student learning and showcases the talent at NMC is invaluable!

Kudos to Cindy Deemer: Cindy gathered a team of volunteers, planned and put on a fantastic graduation event that spanned 6 hours between the 3 ceremonies. In between she found the time to feed the volunteers with salad and goodies she made herself and purchased pizzas for all as well.
The event location at the Dennos was perfect and Cindy’s organization made things run so smoothly. And of course she did it all with a smile. She coordinated an event that was special to students and their families.


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!

Welcome our newest hires

Welcome to NMC!

  • Latrisha Dickeson — Enrollment Services — Student Employee
  • Laurie Johnson — Hagerty Event Center/Food Service — Supplemental Employee

Kudos!

Kudos to Kristy Jackson: Thank you to Kristy Jackson for referring our newest Client Systems Administrator, Chris Little!


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!

Internal Promotions

Trisha Strahan was recently promoted to Events Coordinator at the Hagerty Center, Frank Jabour was recently promoted to Chief Flight Instructor, and Chuck Miller was recently promoted to GLMA Deck Officer. Congratulations on the promotions!

You Made It Possible: 2022 Employee Picnic and Recognition Celebration

We’re excited to invite you to You Made It Possible: 2022 Employee Picnic and Recognition Celebration! Please join us on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. in the courtyard between West Hall and Founder’s Hall to celebrate this year’s service award recipients, retirees, and NMC Excellence Award recipients. Lunch will be provided.

Please Please RSVP by May 2, 2022. We hope to see you all there!

RSVP here.

2021-2022 Retirees

The following employees are retiring. Congratulations on your retirement!

  • Sam Foster
  • Mindy Morton
  • Maureen Carlson**
  • Laura Carmickle**
  • Barbara Assendelft
  • Shayrrl McCready**
  • Taoufik Nadji
  • Jeff Send**
  • Dan Murphy**
  • Dave Bajema

** Emeritus

Crucial Conversations for Accountability

Learn how to talk to anyone about anything and build relationships in the process. This course is a step-by-step process for enhancing communication while building accountability, and improving clarity around expectations and performance. During this 2-day, in-person training, learn how to have difficult conversations in a way that solves problems while improving relationships. Develop your skills and earn your certificate now at no cost to you!

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 & Thursday, May 26, 2022, 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Location: Nelson Innovation Center (West Hall), Room 106/107

Click here for more details and to register

Space is limited. For questions contact professionaldevelopmentinstitute@nmc.edu or call 231-995-1143.

 

Ulliance (Employee Assistance Program) webinars

Ulliance offers free confidential support & resources including counseling, coaching and crisis support. Check out the following upcoming webinars they are offering:

Reframe the Brain: Tapping Your Full Potential
Thursday, May 12, 2022, 1:30–2 p.m.
REGISTER HERE

Women’s Emotional Wellbeing – 3 Key Factors
Thursday, May 19, 2022, 11:30–12 p.m.
REGISTER HERE

Practicing What You Preach – Mindfulness at Work
Thursday, June 9, 2022, 1:30—2 p.m.
REGISTER HERE

Kudos!

Kudos to Grounds & Facilities: Over spring break, Learning Services did a clean out day of our storage in the basement of Osterlin. This amounted to LOTS of trash. Thank you to Grounds and Facilities for helping us dispose of 25 years of stuff, involving multiple truck loads of trash being taken away. We appreciate you!

Kudos to Brittany Hanbury and Rachel Colby: Brittany and Rachel brought the Voices student group back to life during the fall semester as a way to support, advocate for, and bring awareness to survivors of sexual assault. Throughout the last two semesters they have grown the group, requested funding for night caps (as seen on Shark Tank), held weekly meetings, planned and executed a sticker creation contest, Rachel advocated for and made happen new light poles on a dark sidewalk of campus and last night they helped run a very successful Light Up the Night event put on by Student Life. They are a group who is making a difference here on campus!


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!