Human Trafficking Conference Free to the Community March 10

Feb 3, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

NMC Student Life and Students United for Gender Rights (SUGR) present a FREE Human Trafficking Conference on Friday, March 10.

Human trafficking is a local issue that requires our attention. This all-day conference will prepare attendees to recognize the signs, and learn ways to get involved to stop trafficking.

Join us for presentations from noted guest speakers including Grand Rapids based advocate Theresa Flores, founder of the SOAP Project. The conference is open to the community and will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hagerty Center; check in will begin at 8 a.m. Food will be provided.

Taste of Success

Feb 1, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 24 Taste of Success, the largest annual fundraiser for students at NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

Patrons will enjoy a strolling dinner of international cuisine with local wine and craft beers, all prepared and served by culinary students. An online auction with unique options such as private parties and restaurant dinners will be offered in conjunction with the event.

The 2016 Taste raised $87,000. GLCI Director Fred Laughlin said the funds raised by the event, first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994, are vital to many students.

“The event goes a long way to showcase the talent of our students and providing them with needed funds to continue their education,” he said.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated study for students planning careers in the rapidly growing food service industry. The program’s main emphasis is to prepare students for entry-level chefs and kitchen management positions. It is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.

Tickets are $100 each. Table sponsorships are also available. Buy online at nmc.edu/taste-of-success.

Release Date: February 1, 2017

For more information:

Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822

NMC Water Bottles For Sale!

Jan 31, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

The NMC Student Green Team is selling reusable water bottles to reduce one-time plastic bottle usage on campus. They are $5 each and can be purchased in the Student Life Office in the lower level of West Hall.

Proceeds will benefit future environmental or social justice pursuits at NMC.

Upcoming Events at the Hawk Owl Café

Jan 31, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

• Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m.: Come join us! Watch the game, play some games and win some awesome prizes.
• Valentine’s Day Dinner Tuesday, Feb. 14: Make reservations now at the cashier’s stand at the Hawk Owl Café! Limited seating for this elegant three-course meal.
• Oodles and Oodles of Noodles every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bodacious Thursday! Big Burgers every Thursday night from 4 to 9 p.m. or while supplies last.
• 16-inch thin crust pizza! Everyday from 2 to 9 p.m.
• Curve all day! Enjoy unique dishes everyday all day starting at 11 a.m.
• The Northwest Grind is now open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday!
• Need a “Bite” to eat? Download our free app from the App Store or Google Play and know what is being served ahead of time! Use code: G2HP8
  

Important Message from the NMC President regarding Global Initiatives

Jan 31, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

NMC community:

One of the greatest characteristics of NMC and our community of learners is the foundational values and beliefs upon which we rely. Among those are beliefs that we must prepare our learners to be successful in a global economy and society, that we value all people, that we will seek others who share these thoughts and collaborate with them to improve learning and understanding.

Since I became president of NMC in 2001 I have remained dedicated to the belief that our students must have access to international experiences. This belief is such an integral part of who we are, and what we do, that it is written into our Strategic Directions. I personally believe so strongly in the importance of a global experience that my wife Nancy and I established the Global Opportunities Fund. With support from many others, that fund has awarded more than $100,000 to over 200 of our learners allowing them to experience our world first hand. Additionally, the NMC Board adopted a strategic goal to have 5% of our students be international, thus enriching our capacities to share those experiences and to understand the values we each have.

The uncertainty caused by the recent executive order signed by the President of the United States on Friday does not change those values nor my belief in them. I want you each to know the following:

• NMC is committed to preparing our students for success in a global society and economy.
• NMC values all people.
• NMC expects people to operate in a civil manner and work to build collaborative relationships.
• NMC values the importance of people with ideas that differ from our own and encourages open dialogue and discussion to achieve learning.

As a point of information, NMC currently has no students from the countries listed in the executive order. We always have and will protect and support students, faculty, staff and members of the community and work with them within the context of applicable laws.

What this executive order actually means and how it will be applied over the next 90 days is still unfolding. As things become clearer, I will continue to communicate with you on what it means for our community. It is my promise to you that NMC will continue to value all people and work to connect our learners with the world. I ask you to make the same commitment for the good of our community.

Thank you.
Tim

Timothy J. Nelson, President
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010

NMC Magazine Announces Spring 2017 Theme

Jan 30, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

Every night, our mind runs amok, shaping visions and warping reality. It creates a new past, strange present, or unique future. Ideas grow exponentially and laugh at convention, materializing as the happiest times or the darkest nightmares. Then we wake up, and the illusion fades.

NMC Magazine wants to see your dreams. Under cover of night, do you don a cape or a tuxedo to fight crime? Are you an animal, or can you talk to them? Can you lift the hopes of the community with your own? Let your writing or art rally fellow dreamers to make a difference for generations to come.

Students, faculty, and alumni are welcome to send us your stories, poems, illustrations, photos, artwork, film, or other designs either in person or via email by Friday, February 24, 2017. Bring hard copies to the Communications Office, Scholars Hall 214, to Alissia Lingaur -OR- to the Humanities Office, Fine Arts Building, to Caroline Schaefer-Hills. Email submissions to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu. Be sure to attach the Submission Form found here.

Success Story: Writing Center expands to meet student demand

Jan 25, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

January 25, 2017

From left to right, Writing Center reader Zachary Harrington, coordinator Megan Ward, readers Carrie Dunklow and Diane BairAfter the busiest fall semester in NMC Writing & Reading Center history, students returning to the second floor of Scholars Hall will find more elbow room for wrestling with rhetoric, structure and argument.

One argument that seems to be settled, as evidenced by the 1,750 student conferences held last semester: Writing well matters, long after that English assignment or history paper has been turned in.

“The overall trend is that people recognize communicating, writing, being able to express yourself is important to a lot of different disciplines, a lot of different jobs,” Center coordinator Megan Ward said.

Kevin Schlueter, president and CEO of Kalkaska Screw Products and a mechanical engineer by training, said it’s a key skill the company’s 116 employees need.

“It’s just as important in technical fields,” said Schlueter, an NMC alumnus who also serves on NMC’s Foundation Board. “You have to find a way to communicate to get your point across. Having a grasp of the English language is critical to success.”

Student Gene Ward of Traverse City and Writing Center reader Diane BairIn addition to that awareness, Ward has a two-part thesis about why visits to the Center jumped 15 percent last semester, precipitating an expansion of the space over winter break.

• Cultivating relationships with instructors, including those outside traditional writing areas like Communications and Humanities
• Creating an inviting space

Every semester Ward emails all faculty to remind them of the critique services some 12 paid peer readers offer free of charge. Two years ago biology instructor Laura Jaquish was one of the more untraditional instructors to invite Ward to talk up the Center to her students in person.

“With our 100-level classes, people are often not aware of what’s available to them,” said Jaquish, who found that her Plant Biology students benefited from the one-on-one critiques. She plans to refer students in another class, Essential Biology, this semester.

Other Science & Math students, Computer Information Technology, and economics students have also found their way to the Center, which has expanded its hours into the evening and also off-site, to Osterlin Library on Sundays.

“There’s a lot of writing being asked of students,” Ward said.

History instructor Tom Gordon has long recommended the Writing Center to his students for the objective scrutiny readers can offer.

“When you’re writing, it’s really easy to know what you mean,” Gordon said. When a reader doesn’t, it opens the door to improvement.

Learning to improve is easier when the space is inviting, and that’s what Ward has aimed to create. Over Christmas break a storage closet was converted, expanding the Center’s footprint by about a third. Ward says the Center’s prized couch, which encourages students to linger, will likely move into that section, as well as computers. Then, students can begin incorporating feedback into their revisions immediately after the conferences conclude in the original section of the space.

In conclusion, expect more record-breaking semesters at the Writing & Reading Center.

Success Story: Writing Center expands to meet student demand

Jan 25, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

January 25, 2017

From left to right, Writing Center reader Zachary Harrington, coordinator Megan Ward, readers Carrie Dunklow and Diane BairAfter the busiest fall semester in NMC Writing & Reading Center history, students returning to the second floor of Scholars Hall will find more elbow room for wrestling with rhetoric, structure and argument.

One argument that seems to be settled, as evidenced by the 1,750 student conferences held last semester: Writing well matters, long after that English assignment or history paper has been turned in.

“The overall trend is that people recognize communicating, writing, being able to express yourself is important to a lot of different disciplines, a lot of different jobs,” Center coordinator Megan Ward said.

Kevin Schlueter, president and CEO of Kalkaska Screw Products and a mechanical engineer by training, said it’s a key skill the company’s 116 employees need.

“It’s just as important in technical fields,” said Schlueter, an NMC alumnus who also serves on NMC’s Foundation Board. “You have to find a way to communicate to get your point across. Having a grasp of the English language is critical to success.”

Student Gene Ward of Traverse City and Writing Center reader Diane BairIn addition to that awareness, Ward has a two-part thesis about why visits to the Center jumped 15 percent last semester, precipitating an expansion of the space over winter break.

• Cultivating relationships with instructors, including those outside traditional writing areas like Communications and Humanities
• Creating an inviting space

Every semester Ward emails all faculty to remind them of the critique services some 12 paid peer readers offer free of charge. Two years ago biology instructor Laura Jaquish was one of the more untraditional instructors to invite Ward to talk up the Center to her students in person.

“With our 100-level classes, people are often not aware of what’s available to them,” said Jaquish, who found that her Plant Biology students benefited from the one-on-one critiques. She plans to refer students in another class, Essential Biology, this semester.

Other Science & Math students, Computer Information Technology, and economics students have also found their way to the Center, which has expanded its hours into the evening and also off-site, to Osterlin Library on Sundays.

“There’s a lot of writing being asked of students,” Ward said.

History instructor Tom Gordon has long recommended the Writing Center to his students for the objective scrutiny readers can offer.

“When you’re writing, it’s really easy to know what you mean,” Gordon said. When a reader doesn’t, it opens the door to improvement.

Learning to improve is easier when the space is inviting, and that’s what Ward has aimed to create. Over Christmas break a storage closet was converted, expanding the Center’s footprint by about a third. Ward says the Center’s prized couch, which encourages students to linger, will likely move into that section, as well as computers. Then, students can begin incorporating feedback into their revisions immediately after the conferences conclude in the original section of the space.

In conclusion, expect more record-breaking semesters at the Writing & Reading Center.

Aviation, CIT instructor win awards

Jan 24, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Aviation recruiter Al Laursen and computer information technology instructor John Velis have been named NMC’s recipients of annual excellence awards.

Both are 2016-17 recipients of the NISOD award for teaching excellence. Affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin, NISOD is committed to promoting and
celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges. Criteria include professionalism, relationships with students and colleagues, and commitment to learning

“I consider myself lucky to have stumbled into the best job at NMC, where I get to be immersed in a field I love without having to be away from home all the time,” said Laursen, a former pilot, pictured right. “I’m fortunate to have bosses who support me with the resources and autonomy I need to do my job and to be part of a great team of aviation professionals who support me, each other, and our students. I appreciate the recognition and look forward to my continued work in the NMC community.”

“Education has been a passion for me for most of my life,” said Velis, pictured left. “It has brought me great satisfaction, along with many challenges along the way. Being recognized by my peers with a NISOD Excellence Award is humbling as I know I could not do what I do without the support of the many professionals that surround me daily.”

Laursen joined NMC in 2011 and Velis in 2013. Both will receive their awards in at the annual NISOD conference in May.

Read more about aviation and computer information technology at NMC.

Release date: January 25, 2017

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

New Books at the Library- January highlights

Jan 23, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

The library has purchased many new books so far this new year.  You can view a handful here along with partial descriptions or go here to see the full listing.  These books are on display in the library’s lobby.

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Academic World Quest

Jan 23, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY —  More than 80 students from 10 area high schools will compete in the fourth annual Academic World Quest, a quiz-bowl style competition on global topics held from noon-3 p.m. Feb. 3 at NMC’s Hagerty Center.

The winning local team will travel to Washington D.C. to compete at the April 29 national event, held at the National Press Club. Traverse City Central High School is the defending champion, two years running. Also competing are Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Forest Area, Grand Traverse Academy (the 2016 runner up), Interlochen Arts Academy, Mancelona, Petoskey  and Traverse City West.

TV 7 & 4 anchor Marc Schollett will moderate the competition, which is free to spectators. Topics include:  Peace and Conflict in Today’s World, Countering Violent Extremism, Women in Technology, Turkey, Global Megacities, Combating Infectious Disease, European Union, China, and Current Events.  

AWQ is the flagship high school education program of the World Affairs Councils of America of which Traverse City’s International Affairs Forum (IAF) is an affiliated partner. Its goal is to expose America’s youth to the world outside our borders and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of our globally interconnected world. 

To help raise money for the local winning team to travel to Washington D.C., IAF is hosting a special premiere showing of a new documentary, “Is America in Retreat?” at 6 p.m. Monday, March 6 (location TBD.) Based on Wall Street Journal reporter Bret Stephens’ book, America in Retreat? the film will be broadcast on PBS at the end of March.

Special guests Kip Perry and Elan Bentov (producers/directors) will join for post film Q/A discussion together with Leland-based Tom Skinner (executive producer) and IAF Co-Chair Jack Segal. 

Release date: January 24, 2017

For more information:

Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
jsegal_kpuschel@yahoo.com 

Fire training collaboration to benefit students, sailors

Jan 23, 2017 | Intercom, Student News

Fire training collaboration to benefit students, sailors

TRAVERSE CITY — A collaboration between NMC’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy and the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center has led to a new, Coast Guard-approved firefighting curriculum that will save maritime cadets time and money, and could draw new revenue to the Center in Blair Township.

Beginning this semester, GLMA cadets will receive firefighting training required for licensure as U.S. Merchant Marine officers at the Center instead of in Toledo, Ohio. Potentially, they could have faced traveling as far as Florida or New York after the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced last year that it planned to close the Toledo Fire Training Academy.

That prompted Maritime instructor and Captain John Biolchini to work with Tim Wrede, training coordinator at the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center, to create a local course that would fulfill U.S. Coast Guard requirements.

“The two of them worked closely together and submitted a curriculum,” to the tune of 249 pages, said Jerry Achenbach, GLMA superintendent. The Coast Guard approved the curriculum with no edits or changes effective Jan. 1. The 40-hour course will be offered for the first time March 27-31.  {Editors: Photo/video opportunities will be available during this week.} Achenbach expects it to be offered three times annually, saving cadets travel and hotel costs.

“We are enthusiastic that the Great Lakes Maritime Academy could collaborate with the Regional Fire Training Center,” said Biolchini. “This first-class facility is a natural fit for educational opportunities in the region and I am proud to live in a community which encourages and supports all levels of education and training.”

The firefighting training is expected to attract other sailors, meaning more tuition revenue coming into the community.

“We’re hoping to sell this to the maritime industry,” said Wrede. “The service that we can provide and our customer base, we’re perfectly located.”

He added the Coast Guard has recently begun requiring that firefighting training certification be renewed every five years, which could present additional opportunities to the Training Center, a governmental cooperative created in 1990.

Furthermore, MARAD plans to loan some of the Toledo facility’s specialized equipment, estimated to value more than $100,000, to the regional center, Achenbach said.

Release Date: January 23, 2017

For more information:

John Biolchini
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
jbiolchini@nmc.edu
(231) 995-3147 (o)
(989) 619-2361 (m)

Tim Wrede
Northwest Regional Fire Training Center
Info@Nwrtc-tc.org
(231) 357-3056