Nov 20, 2024 | Community Report, Intercom, Student News
November 20, 2024
Mike Morefield, a maintenance apprentice at LearUpdated for the modern economy, apprenticeships are flourishing at NMC in traditional as well as new fields, helping create a workforce equipped for the 21st century.
“There are so many wins,” said Zoe Lilly, manager at Lear Corp. in Traverse City, which has had 16 apprenticeships with NMC, for tool and die and maintenance positions. From her employer perspective, the chief win is a reliable pipeline of staff in an era when it’s difficult to hire externally.
“It’s easier to train from within. The partnership with NMC has been great,” Lilly said.
Apprenticeships, which are being recognized this week as National Apprenticeship Week, have spread beyond traditional trade and manufacturing fields, too.
“There’s a national shortage in surgical technologists. We were struggling with getting applicants, period,” said Amy Verburg, director of surgical services at Munson Medical Center. That has started to shift since the hospital started a surgical technologist apprenticeship with NMC in 2023.
“It looks like it’s gaining momentum,” Verburg said.
From the student/ employee perspective, it’s a way to cover their educational costs — flipping the historical script. Apprenticeships originated in the Middle Ages as unpaid labor exchanged for the opportunity to learn from a skilled trades or craftsman.
“As soon as an opening came up, I went for it,” said Mike Morefield, who started as an assembly worker at Lear in 2020, entered the manufacturing apprenticeship program in 2021 and earned his certificate in 2023. Lear paid for his tuition, books, and basic tools. Other companies reimburse for tuition.
As an apprentice Morefield started at 74% of the journey worker wage of $33 per hour. Within four years he reached the full journey worker wage.
“All of the teachers were very supportive,” said Morefield, 36, who had last been in a classroom in 2006.
Surgical Technology student Danielle Ellis, 30, is enthusiastic about her career path, which includes an apprenticeship at Munson.
“I’m getting paid to learn,” said Ellis. Her tuition is paid through Michigan Reconnect. She has the added incentive of a $10,000 signing bonus after she completes her one-year program.
“I’m already guaranteed a job,” she said. “I totally think I made the right move.”
Surgical Technology coordinator Breana Goodell said the attraction of the apprenticeship has boosted enrollment, too.
“This is really helping get more students to come in. Our numbers have gone up significantly,” she said.
Nov 19, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Derek Councilor
(high resolution image)TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has named Derek Councilor, an apprentice at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery as its 2024 Apprentice of the Year for his exceptional work ethic.
Councilor, 38, of Traverse City, has been completing his apprenticeship since 2022. He works full-time in the maintenance department on second shift at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery while taking courses toward four different certificates. The first three are from NMC.
- Manufacturing Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technology – Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Construction Technology – HVAC/R Technology
- Apprenticeship Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship
Councilor’s colleagues praised his abilities at a ceremony held Wednesday at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Week. He was commended for his high-quality on-time work, friendliness, knowledgeability and leadership among his peers, and attendance and early arrival.
“He is a multi-team player,” said Dan Wallington, maintenance department manager, adding that Councilor works with the operations team as well as maintenance and helps train more junior employees. “Derek helps continue the confidence we have in the apprenticeships.”
Sara Lee currently has three active apprentices and two who have graduated from NMC’s program. Senior Human Resources generalist Caitlin Zielinski said apprentices accelerate through the company’s skill grid at a doubled pace.
“It’s twice the speed of anyone doing on the job training,” Zielinski said. “It is so beneficial and I hope it continues to grow.”
Councilor said he likes the opportunity to advance quickly, too, which he’s seen modeled with previous apprentices.
“I like the classes. It’s all stuff I’m interested in,” he said. “Our last apprentice is now our lead electrician.”
Find out more at nmc.edu/apprenticeships
Release date: NOVEMBER 19, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 19, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Esports‘ Rocket League team comprised of Luke Bobrowski, Maddox Cullimore, Kaden Novath and Grant Shivley won their first Divisional Championship last night! Make sure to congratulate them for representing us on a regional stage. Stay tuned as our Overwatch team is on the cusp of winning an additional championship.
Go Hawk Owls!!!
Nov 18, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Mark your calendars! Registration for College for Kids 2025 will open on Monday, February 3 at nmc.edu/kids. Classes will run Monday through Thursday, from June 16 – July 31. Perfect for kids and teens ages 3-17 this summer.
Nov 18, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
NMC has added new software that displays emergency alerts on all NMC computers on campus. This system will be integrated into the monthly emergency text, phone and email tests run on the first Monday of each month. Expect to see the first one Monday, Dec. 2. Learn more about NMC’s emergency alert system and commitment to a safe campus.
Nov 18, 2024 | Student News
Fall textbook rentals are due back December 17.
All rentals should be returned to the NMC Campus Bookstore located in the Health & Science Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Nov 18, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, November 18
Lamb Gyros with pita bread
served with lemon rice and Greek orzo salad
Falafel Gyros with pita bread (V)
served with lemon rice and Greek orzo salad
Tuesday, November 19
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V)
served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Wednesday, November 20
Thanksgiving Meal Special ($9.99 per meal)
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- Turkey or Tofurky (V)
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Fresh rolls with butter
- Pumpkin pie with whipped cream
Thursday, November 21
Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with Italian sausage
served with garlic bread and broccoli
Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with roasted vegetables (V)
served with garlic bread and broccoli
Friday, November 22
Hawk Owl Café smashburger with bacon and onion straws
served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries and asparagus
Impossible Burger with cheese & onion straws on brioche (V)
served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries and asparagus
Nov 15, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Traverse City — The NMC Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19 in room 14 (lower level) of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front Street, Traverse City. The meeting notice is available here.
The Board of Trustees will host a study session at 3 p.m. the same day, also in room 14 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. The meeting notice and agenda are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: november 15, 2024
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 11, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, November 11
Slow-roasted pot roast with gravy. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Roasted sweet potato (V) with kale. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Tuesday, November 12
Indigenous People’s Dinner with Chef Sam Anglin (served from 4:30 PM – 6:00 p.m.)
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- Three Sister Buffalo Casserole with maple-roasted squash
- Toasted wild rice
- Tossed salad with strawberry maple vinaigrette, pumpkin seeds and dried blueberries
- Manoomin sweet treat
- Blue corn blueberry bread pudding
- Healing tea
$7.00 for students and $14.00 for community members.
Wednesday, November 13
Orange popeye chicken bowl with mandarin oranges. Served with rice and bosco sticks.
Baked Tofu Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges. Served with rice and bosco sticks.
Thursday, November 14
Breakfast for Dinner!
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- French toast sticks with syrup or quiche lorraine. Served with sausage patties and links.
- Quiche (V). Served with fresh fruit.
Friday, November 15
Beer-battered cod sandwich with tartar sauce. Served with creamy coleslaw and French fries
BBQ jackfruit (V) with brioche bun. Served with creamy coleslaw and french fries.
Nov 8, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Policy Committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 in the President’s Conference Room of the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: november 8, 2024
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 8, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Stop by the campus bookstore for new student-made products!
2025 calendars and holiday greeting cards are available until the end of the year—don’t wait! Limited quantities are available.
Nov 7, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Have fun meeting new people while learning to swing dance with the NMC Swing Dance Club.
The club meets every Saturday from 7-9 pm in room 120 of the Rajkovich Physical Education Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus. All are welcome.
Nov 6, 2024 | Community Report, Intercom, Student News
November 6, 2024
At Northwestern Michigan College, we’re proud to be a partner in building a stronger, more vibrant community. In a new publication arriving in Grand Traverse County mailboxes next week – our inaugural Community Report – we demonstrate how NMC is improving lives right here, from offering high-quality education and workforce training to supporting local innovation and leadership.
This report shares real stories of student success and community impact, showing how NMC is dedicated to making Grand Traverse County a better place to live, work, and grow. Whether you’re a local resident, business owner, partner or student, you’ll see how NMC is helping shape a brighter future for all of us. For example:
- A nursing pipeline of 160 students plus a partnership with Munson that means graduates can go straight from classroom to patient bedside.
- Six new Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputies in the last 15 months, thanks to accelerated, high-quality law enforcement training, strengthening community safety
- A first-of-its kind study that identified microplastics in the Boardman River. NMC’s data will contribute to better decisions about how to manage the impact on this major feeder of Grand Traverse Bay.
- Ways you can explore, discover and connect locally and globally, from listening or streaming WNMC radio to attending an International Affairs Forum lecture at the Dennos Museum
The report will be mailed to Grand Traverse County residents and businesses mid-November. Read the online version here. Request a copy here.
Nov 6, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Following a national search, interim Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director and NMC alumnus John Lutchko has been named the permanent GLWSI director, charged with leading the distinctive program forward at a critical juncture.
GLWSI houses NMC’s bachelor of science degree in Marine Technology, the only such degree in the world, along with the new Water Quality & Environmental Technology associate degree and the Freshwater Studies transfer pathway.
“GLWSI and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy represent the college’s commitment to water-based education and workforce development,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives. “John made it clear during a robust national search and interview process that he had the passion, expertise, and vision to drive the Institute forward. I’m excited for what lies ahead under John’s leadership.”
Succeeding GLWSI’s first director Hans Van Sumeren, who left the college in July, Lutchko will lead efforts to enhance GLWSI’s sustainability and efficiency. His work will also include:
- Growing enrollment in Marine Technology and other key pathways
- Prioritizing workforce training and grant opportunities with the Marine Center, the noncredit, professional development arm of NMC’s water education repertoire
- Aligning with the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center in development in Greilickville. NMC is a founding partner of this initiative.
“I am thrilled to lead the next chapter of the GLWSI and to build upon our strong foundation. I’m fortunate to work alongside such a fantastic team at NMC and in the broader community as we aim to elevate the institute to new heights,” Lutchko said.
Lutchko has been part of the NMC community for almost 15 years, first as a student in the Freshwater Studies program, graduating in 2013. He served as GLWSI lab coordinator and manager, and has clocked more than 1,000 hours piloting and maintaining ROVs, captaining the R/V Northwestern, and presenting at national conferences on workforce training.
In that previous role, he co-taught many of Marine Tech’s key technical classes and delivered workforce and professional training. He has served on national organizations and at conferences, including the esteemed Marine Technology Society and Oceans 2025.
He has played a key part in the evolution of the Marine Technology program as its focus broadened from ROVs to include hydrographic surveying, remote sensing, and data analysis, resulting in outstanding job placement rates.
Lutchko has also supported numerous research projects, working with NOAA, the National Park Service, and the United States Geological Survey throughout the Great Lakes.
Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning, earlier this year Lutchko completed a master of science degree in Geospatial Technology from Michigan Technological University.
Release date: November 6, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Nov 5, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Congratulations to our Trunk or Treat 2024 winners and a big thank you to all of our participants!
Overall Winner
Gone Fishing!
Tyler Kastens
Spookiest
Vampires
Becky Wooters
Most Creative
Women on the Water Pirates
Peyton Abney
Nov 4, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, November 4
Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce. Served with crostini and broccoli.
Roasted Vegetables (V) with pesto cream sauce. Served with crostini and broccoli.
Tuesday, November 5
Chicken Enchiladas with peppers and onions. Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas (V) with peppers and onions. Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
Wednesday, November 6
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry with roasted pork. Served with basmati rice and egg rolls.
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry (V) with tofu and pineapple. Served with basmati rice and egg rolls.
Thursday, November 7
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage. Served with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
Potato Gnocchi (V) with alfredo sauce. Served with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
Friday, November 8
BBQ Pulled Pork on brioche bun. Served with mac & cheese and creamy coleslaw.
BBQ Jackfruit (V) on brioche bun. Served with mac & cheese and creamy coleslaw.
Nov 1, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace and meet 30 talented juried artists at the 25th annual Holiday Artist Market on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Admission and parking is free to all. Remember to bring a little cash for our beloved raffle benefiting children’s educational programming at the museum.
Treat yourself to something delicious from Merlyn’s Asian-French Patisserie which will be on site during the market.
More information including a list of participating artistis is available on the Museum Store Website.
NMC staff, faculty and students get 10% off in the Museum Store! Be sure to mention you’re an NMC employee or student at checkout.
Nov 1, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I look forward to spending time with friends and family over a Thanksgiving meal. I am asking for your help to ensure we can all share in this important tradition.
Recently, instructor Kristy McDonald invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills while making a real difference in the lives of others in our community, helping feed the hungry (and affording a bit of Thanksgiving joy).
They believe everyone should experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts and fill the red bins by November 20. You can donate individually or join with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! Red collection bins are located in the lobby of the following buildings: Osterlin Building, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen, and the Great Lakes Campus. The class aims to collect:
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- Cans of Sweet Potatoes (29 oz)
- Granola Bars (boxes)
Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes, including a Cheese Lady gift basket, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes and a $250 gift card, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, a $50 gift certificate to Lobdell’s, and other local prizes.
Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Thanks-for-Giving”). Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students. Employees can also help students apply for a free meal by completing this Google Form (NMC Thanks-for-Giving).
Students are hosting a glow skate event on November 8 at the Howe Ice Arena located in the Traverse City Civic Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Entry is $10 with a $5 skate rental fee.
Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know firsthand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information or if you have any questions, please email Lily Moon at moon35@mail.nmc.edu or Kristy McDonald at kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Thank you for your help. Together, we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick
