May 19, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Alumni from the 1950s, 1970s and 1990s have been named NMC’s Outstanding Alumni for 2018.
The award recognize alumni with significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. The three recipients named at NMC’s 2018 Commencement ceremony are:
Ed Reynolds, 1973-78: Reynolds is the president and CEO of Quantum Sails, the world’s second-largest sail maker with headquarters in Traverse City and operations internationally, including a high-tech sail manufacturing plant in Malaysia and plant, designers and engineers in Spain. Reynolds turned heads and broke into the elite sailing market in 2008 when on the starting line of the MedCup Circuit, his was the only boat without the then-dominant competitor’s sail. His team dominated the series and won the overall championship sailing under Quantum sails. The company has grown and prospered ever since, achieving double-digit growth from 2007 to 2015.
Dr. Robert Tanis, 1958-59: The son of NMC’s first president, Tanis at first floundered in college. With encouragement, however, he achieved a turnaround in his second year and embarked on a career in sciences. Highlights include serving as a researcher at the University of Michigan; as Director of Biochemistry at Michigan State University; at the National Institutes of Health and at Harvard Medical School, where his 27 years with the administrative team included serving as director of Harvard’s Genetics Department. In 2015 Tanis established the President Emeritus Preston N. Tanis Scholarship, a $100,000 endowment providing scholarships for NMC students studying the sciences.
Trevor Tkach, 1995-97: Tkach is the president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, a position he began in 2016. Prior to that he spent a decade at the National Cherry Festival, including five years as Executive Director. During his tenure with the Cherry Festival, he earned wide respect for managing the event in a way that was respectful of local concerns while also serving the tourist population who are a lifeblood to the region. Tkach was named to the Traverse City Business News’ 40 under 40, an award recognizing the region’s most influential professionals under the age of 40, for eight consecutive years.
Release Date: May 7, 2018
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations
(231) 995-1029
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 18, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will host the 63rd annual Barbecue, one of the Grand Traverse region’s most popular spring traditions, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20 on main campus.
The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fund raiser picnic in 1956. Under the leadership of the third generation of the Oleson family, Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate the food. Several thousand people attend every year, raising $1.5 million for college programs and equipment over the years.
What does it take to put on a picnic that size?
- 500 volunteers
- 1,400 pounds of carrots and celery
- 3,000 pounds — each — of potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans
- 8,400 ice cream cups
- 4,500 cartons of milk
- 3,000 pounds of buffalo burgers and hot dogs
In addition to the traditional picnic lunch, the schedule of events held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes:
- 10:45 a.m. – Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem
- Free admission to the Dennos Museum Center, bonsai display
- Live entertainment outdoors in front of the Osterlin Building
- College displays and classroom demonstrations
- Invitational car show
- Children’s games (Ticket purchase necessary) including the popular Cake Walk
- Chip, NMC’s life-size faux buffalo, and the Buffalo cam
- Alumni tent including prizes
- Art department pottery sale – Osterlin Fine Arts Building
- Osterlin Library open, children’s book readings
- East and North halls open for tours
Services available to attendees include a baby care station and veterans’ tent, as well as compostable utensils and plates and composting of food waste, as part of an effort towards making the Barbecue a zero-waste event.
Barbecue tickets are $6 in advance (plus a $1.25/ticket fee for online purchase and $8 on Barbecue Day. Tickets are available online at nmc.edu/bbq until noon Friday, May 18, on campus, at Oleson’s Food Stores and most local financial institutions.
For more information, call (231) 995-1020 or visit nmc.edu/bbq.
Release date: May 15, 2018
For more information
Diana Fairbanks
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 9, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
May 9, 2018
Traverse City’s Oleson family and the NMC Barbecue go together, well, like buffalo burgers and a nice spring day on campus. But many more community volunteers and groups help make the annual picnic under the pines happen every year. In advance of this year’s May 20 Barbecue, we look at a few:
Traverse City Noon Rotary
The noon Rotarians have handled the grill as far back as memory goes.
“I have flipped burgers for 25 years, 30 years, as long as I’ve been in Rotary,” said Sid Lammers. “It builds fellowship in the club.”
Lammers’ Barbecue attendance goes back even further, to when he moved to Traverse City as a boy in 1968. He attended NMC from 1971-72, then transferred to Central Michigan University. He returned to the community to raise a family and run a business. Now, between 15-20 extended family members make it a point to attend the Barbecue every year.
“The event is not to be missed in my family,” Lammers said. “I appreciate the college, I appreciate the Olesons and what they’ve done for it.”
U.S. Coast Guard
Command Master Chief Al Wiltse has only been stationed at Air Station Traverse City for three years, but his predecessor made sure he knew to set aside the third Sunday in May.
“We volunteer because Traverse City is a wonderful community to be stationed in,” Wiltse said. “This is a very highly desirable area for Coast Guard folks. The city treats us magnificently, and it our duty and obligation to give back to the community.”
Working the serving lines, as the Coasties usually do, is fun, too, Wiltse said.
“We always have a blast. It’s a lot of fun. Our spouses and our kids get involved,” he said. “We’re honored to be asked every year.”
Real Estate One
The company has been volunteering for 26 years, said Realtor Clint Wheeler.
“As a real estate company, it’s very important for us to give back to the community and help the community grow,” Wheeler said. “It couldn’t be for a better cause. It’s always been important to be part of it.”
This year, volunteer Realtors Leanne and Lyle Deeren have an extra reason to show up for serving line duty. Daughter Sierra, a Traverse City West High School senior, will enroll this fall in the nursing program.
“I just feel like I have a little bit closer connection to it now, now that my daughter’s going to be there,” Leanne Deeren said. “It’s fun to see so many people gathering to support a great school.”
Zonta
Sporting their signature yellow aprons, 18 Zontans will fill two shifts in the serving lines, dishing out coleslaw, potato salad and of course the buffalo burgers.
“We love seeing the people going through the line and all the happy faces,” said Zonta board member Nancy Brick.
She usually volunteers as a “runner,” notifying the kitchen crew when a serving line is running low.
“The runners all help each other’s lines,” Brick said. “We love participating with other fellow community organizations in line next to us.”
Other groups and clubs with longtime volunteer ties to the Barbecue include the Traverse City Optimists, Kiwanis, Elks, Newcomers, Traverse City State Bank, Hagerty Macy’s and the National Cherry Festival.
Advance tickets are $6 (plus a $1.25 online service fee) when purchased online at MyNorthTickets. Tickets can also be purchased for $6 at Oleson’s Food Stores, many financial institutions and on NMC’s main campus, or for $8 at the gate on Barbecue Day, May 20.
May 9, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
The GRASP reading and math program, offered through Extended Educational Services each summer, helps maintain these critical skills.
GRASP is an at-home program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Students complete one lesson a week and then mail it to reading and math teachers who review, score and return each assignment. The GRASP teachers recognize the flexibility of a student’s summer vacation, allowing the family to mail each lesson from anywhere their summer travels take them.
The price is $75 for one subject ($85 after May 16), or $129 for both subjects ($139 after May 16). Staff tuition waivers apply ($35 for one subject; $49 for both). Partial financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
To register or to learn more about the GRASP program, call NMC Extended Educational Services at (231) 995-1700.
May 9, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
May 9, 2018
Traverse City’s Oleson family and the NMC Barbecue go together, well, like buffalo burgers and a nice spring day on campus. But many more community volunteers and groups help make the annual picnic under the pines happen every year. In advance of this year’s May 20 Barbecue, we look at a few:
Traverse City Noon Rotary
The noon Rotarians have handled the grill as far back as memory goes.
“I have flipped burgers for 25 years, 30 years, as long as I’ve been in Rotary,” said Sid Lammers. “It builds fellowship in the club.”
Lammers’ Barbecue attendance goes back even further, to when he moved to Traverse City as a boy in 1968. He attended NMC from 1971-72, then transferred to Central Michigan University. He returned to the community to raise a family and run a business. Now, between 15-20 extended family members make it a point to attend the Barbecue every year.
“The event is not to be missed in my family,” Lammers said. “I appreciate the college, I appreciate the Olesons and what they’ve done for it.”
U.S. Coast Guard
Command Master Chief Al Wiltse has only been stationed at Air Station Traverse City for three years, but his predecessor made sure he knew to set aside the third Sunday in May.
“We volunteer because Traverse City is a wonderful community to be stationed in,” Wiltse said. “This is a very highly desirable area for Coast Guard folks. The city treats us magnificently, and it our duty and obligation to give back to the community.”
Working the serving lines, as the Coasties usually do, is fun, too, Wiltse said.
“We always have a blast. It’s a lot of fun. Our spouses and our kids get involved,” he said. “We’re honored to be asked every year.”
Real Estate One
The company has been volunteering for 26 years, said Realtor Clint Wheeler.
“As a real estate company, it’s very important for us to give back to the community and help the community grow,” Wheeler said. “It couldn’t be for a better cause. It’s always been important to be part of it.”
This year, volunteer Realtors Leanne and Lyle Deeren have an extra reason to show up for serving line duty. Daughter Sierra, a Traverse City West High School senior, will enroll this fall in the nursing program.
“I just feel like I have a little bit closer connection to it now, now that my daughter’s going to be there,” Leanne Deeren said. “It’s fun to see so many people gathering to support a great school.”
Zonta
Sporting their signature yellow aprons, 18 Zontans will fill two shifts in the serving lines, dishing out coleslaw, potato salad and of course the buffalo burgers.
“We love seeing the people going through the line and all the happy faces,” said Zonta board member Nancy Brick.
She usually volunteers as a “runner,” notifying the kitchen crew when a serving line is running low.
“The runners all help each other’s lines,” Brick said. “We love participating with other fellow community organizations in line next to us.”
Other groups and clubs with longtime volunteer ties to the Barbecue include the Traverse City Optimists, Kiwanis, Elks, Newcomers, Traverse City State Bank, Hagerty Macy’s and the National Cherry Festival.
May 7, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Student Success Center will be holding two Math Bootcamp sessions this summer, June 18-22 and August 6-10, 9 a.m.-Noon. Math Bootcamp is a five-day intensive math refresher course taught by NMC faculty that helps prepare students for placement testing or their next math class. 70% of students who complete math bootcamp improve their placement an average of 1.5 levels!
Interested students can sign up by contacting the Student Success Center at (231) 995-2134 or studentsuccesscenter@nmc.edu.
May 3, 2018 | Student News
Student Health Services will be closed May 14. We will reopen Monday, August 13 at 9 a.m.
Emergency medical services may be obtained at:
- Munson Walk-In Clinic, 550 Munson Ave. (935-8686)
- Bayside Docs, 501 Munson Ave, TC, (933-9150)
- The Walk-In Clinic, US 31 South, (929-1234)
- Munson Medical Center, 1105 6th Street, (935-5000)
Primary Care Providers that accept Medicaid:
Crystal Lake Clinic 231-922-0667
Northwest Michigan Health Services 231-947-0351
Traverse Health Clinic 231-935-0668
Apr 25, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
April 25, 2018
Reporter Garret Ellison atop the Mackinac BridgeMLive environmental reporter Garret Ellison, a 2006 NMC graduate, has been named the 2017 Michigan Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Press Association.
Ellison, 35, was cited for his “watchdog work” on issues of water use and Great Lakes protection, which reaches a reported online audience of 11 million readers a month. MLive also feeds seven Michigan newspapers.
He says he found his career calling at NMC, after he started publishing photos in the White Pine Press. His writing was “good enough” but it was the timing that was perfect for the 2001 Traverse City West High School graduate, who found himself in the editor’s role when the rest of the staff graduated and longtime faculty advisers retired.
“We decided to redesign it and re-imagine some of the coverage scope,” Ellison said of himself and then new adviser Kim Schneider.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t had the opportunity to helm the White Pine Press in the way I did,” Ellison said. “The White Pine Press was where I learned to be a journalist.”
He still uses those lessons, particularly the instinct to follow his own initiative, on the environmental beat, where he transitioned from business in 2014.
“I always wanted to be an investigative reporter, and I didn’t see much of a path to doing that covering business,” Ellison said. “At the time I didn’t have much environment experience (but) nobody was tasked with covering environment from a statewide perspective.”
It made sense for him to try since he was based in Grand Rapids, MLive’s biggest city. The condition of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac was becoming a bigger issue, so Ellison started paying attention to that. At an editor’s suggestion, he started looking into Nestle’s groundwater withdrawals in northern Michigan. Then came legacy contamination, Superfund sites and more.
“You start looking for meatier angles to stuff,” said Ellison, who views investigation as his obligation. “We serve the public. As members of the press, we are uniquely resourced to hold power to account. That, I think is the ultimate point of having a free press.”
Ellison imparts that message to his own students, too. In addition to his daily reporting for MLive, Ellison is now an adjunct journalism instructor at Grand Valley State University.
“It’s a little weird. I’m not so far removed from being on the other side of the coin there,” said Ellison, who went on to Central Michigan University after NMC.
“I really feel a lot of value in the community college experience, and I’m grateful the institution was there for me,” he said.
Apr 24, 2018 | Student News
Therapy Dogs are returning to NMC Library during Finals Week! Come see them:
Monday, April 30, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Come in for a stress-reducing cuddle!
Apr 23, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Families Against Narcotics was formed in 2011 to help communities bring awareness and solutions to the opioid epidemic. Support group meetings for the growing number of persons and families struggling with addiction issues, and those who have already lost loved ones, include resources for treatment and prevention.
The event will take place June 21, at Traverse City’s Central United Methodist Church from 5:15 – 8:00 p.m. Our keynote speaker will be Judge Linda Davis, founder of F.A.N. She is also the Chair of Governor Snyder’s Opioid and Prescription Drug Task Force and has been called to the White House several times to consult with the President’s Commission on Opioid Abuse. She is a dynamic speaker and we are hoping that she will rally our community around F.A.N. and a new program she launched last year, Hope Not Handcuffs, which focuses on getting addicts into treatment. Our law enforcement agencies will be meeting separately with Judge Davis on Friday morning after the event to discuss Hope Not Handcuffs and how it can work in our community.
Apr 23, 2018 | Student News
Spring rental books are due back to the bookstore on Friday, May 4. Unsure of what you rented? Contact the bookstore at 995-1285 or bookstore@nmc.edu to check.
Apr 23, 2018 | Student News
Looking to sell your spring books? Stop by the bookstore April 30-May 4 to sell your books for cash!
Apr 18, 2018 | Student News
Student Health Services will be closed from May 11-August 15. If an appointment or refills are necessary, please stop by or call 995-1255 to schedule.
Apr 17, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Students interested in health care careers will have opportunity to learn more about about 20 different degree programs at a Health Care Programs Showcase Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m.-noon at NMC’s Health Sciences Building
Offered by NMC and Grand Valley State University, area practitioners, faculty members and advisors will be available to discuss specialized health degree programs offered in Traverse City. NMC’s programs include Nursing, Dental Assisting, Paramedic and Surgical Technology. Program demonstrations/simulations are scheduled as follows:
10:15-10:25 a.m. – Dental Assisting
10:30-10:40 a.m. – Surgical Technician
10:45-11:10 a.m. - Nursing
Participants should park in NMC’s Tamarack parking lot off Front Street rather than in lots off College Drive.
Release date: april 17, 2018
For more information:
Shannon Owen
Grand Valley State University
owensha@gvsu.edu
(231) 995-1785
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 16, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Thursday, April 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Presented by Student Green Team
Pick up a glove and a bag from the East Hall, West Hall, Biederman or Library lobbies to celebrate Earth Day 2018!
Take a selfie and post it with #NMCEarthDay to win a prize!
Apr 16, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Third Annual IT Academy Olympics will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) James J. Beckett Building in Traverse City, Michigan.
Sponsored by a variety of local businesses, the competition is designed to give teams of area career and technical education (CTE) students an opportunity to apply their information technology (IT) skills.
First offered in 2016 to infrastructure students at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) Career-Tech Center (CTC), the competition was expanded in 2017 to include developer students. More than 80 students participated in the 2017 competition, which featured a new website design competition and a robot design course.
CTE students from the Charlevoix-Emmet and Wexford-Missaukee school districts have been invited to participate in this year’s competition.
Schedule:
- 8:30–9:15 a.m. – Registration
- 9:15–9:45 a.m. – Assign teams
- 9:45–10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
- 10–11:30 a.m. – Session #1
- 11:30–12:15 p.m. – Lunch
- 12:15–1:45 p.m. – Session #2
- 1:50–2:10 p.m. – Group Photo
- 2:15–3:00 p.m. – Closing/Awards Ceremony
- 3 p.m.– Adjourn
COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition is designed to challenge students to apply both their soft and technical skills. Each team of four is comprised of infrastructure and developer students, selected at random from a master roster. During each of the 90-minute morning and afternoon sessions, teams will compete in two of the following four events:
- Build a website per specifications
- Assemble, configure and network a PC
- Prepare a presentation on an IT-related topic
- Program a virtual robot to complete tasks
Gift cards will be awarded to 1st through 5th place teams.
ORGANIZERS
- Colin OBrien, TBAISD Career-Tech Center, Instructor – Information Technology
- Bruce Provencher, TBAISD Career-Tech Center, Instructor – Web and Game Programming
- Scott Goethals, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Infrastructure Program
- Lisa Balbach, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Developer Program
- David Hosler, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Infrastructure Program
- John Velis, NMC, Faculty, NMC CIT Developer Program
Read more at nmc.edu/it-olympics.
Release date: April 16, 2018
For more information:
John Velis, CIT Instructor
Northwestern Michigan College (NMC)
jvelis@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1152
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 13, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Big Little Hero Race scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018 has been POSTPONED in anticipation of inclement weather.
The new date is 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2018 on Northwestern Michigan College’s Front Street campus. Registration has been extended to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018.
This event is a semester long experiential learning project organized by NMC’s business communication students to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Michigan. It was voted favorite local race of 2017 by the Traverse City Track Club.
The costume-encouraged festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the free one-mile fun run, followed by the officially-timed 5K and 10K at 9:30 a.m. Endurance Evolution will provide timing services. During the race there will be food, family-friendly events, games, and a silent raffle in and around West Hall. Register by March 21 for early bird pricing and to guarantee a race t-shirt. Race, jog or walk any of the below events.
- Fun Run – free and untimed. All children receive a free cape
- 5K – $15 for students, $25 for adults
- 10K – $15 for students, $25 for adults
Awards, including College for Kids gift certificates, will be given for best times and costumes. All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome and there is a prize for the best dressed pup.
Every year the Big Little Hero Race Team selects a local hero to honor. This year’s race will celebrate the staff and teachers of Blair Elementary School for their commitment to their students and community as everyday heroes. They will be honored by starting the one-mile fun run and recognized at the award ceremony.
In its four years, this race has raised more than $70,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Their goal is “to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.”
To register, visit biglittleherorace.com.
Release date: April 13, 2018
For More Information:
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Meg Rosenberg
Student Public Relations Coordinator
(231) 883-7178
rosenb23@mail.nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 11, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
April 11, 2018
When your summer trip requires putting 98,000 gallons in the tank, you pay attention to fuel prices.
NMC’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy recently learned that it can expect full reimbursement of an estimated $196,000 fuel bill for the T/S State of Michigan’s upcoming spring cruise. The reimbursement is part of the 2018 omnibus spending bill approved by Congress last month.
In addition to the fuel reimbursement, GLMA received $1 million, double its 2017 funding, which will enable NMC to improve the ship’s docking area by installing mooring bollards and mooring fenders. Work will take place between May and August, while the ship is out of the harbor on its annual training cruise.
“The federal funds are crucial to the Academy and key to our being able to ensure the program maintains U.S. Coast Guard approval,” said GLMA superintendent Rear Adm. Jerry Achenbach.
“While these funds will primarily be used to upgrade the moorings at the harbor, over the past several years we have used federal funds to substantially upgrade our deck and engine simulators and upgrade the equipment in the vessel’s galley,” Achenbach said. “The omnibus spending bill also includes funds that ensure Academy cadets who volunteer to serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation will continue to receive an annual stipend of $8,000.”
NMC is grateful to its congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and Congressman Jack Bergman, for their continued support of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in securing these funds.
GLMA is hosting an open house/ship tour from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. Maritime cadets will host free tours open to the public. NMC offers a bachelor’s degree in maritime technology, the first community college bachelor’s degree available in the state. Find out more about the Academy at nmc.edu/maritime.
