IAF & NWS team up for events on Nov. 16 & 18

Ambassador Anthony WayneThe International Affairs Forum remotely welcomes Ambassador Anthony Wayne Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to dissect the border policies, trade, and migration dynamics that shape our relationship with Central America. Wayne is the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan. He is currently Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer and Distinguished Diplomat in Residence
at the American University School of International Service, as well as Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Co-Chair of its Mexico Institute Advisory Board. The program is presented as a joint event with the National Writers Series.

In-person event at the City Opera House, remote speaker, livestream available:

  • 5 p.m. reception with cash bar
  • 6 p.m. presentation followed by public Q & A

In-person tickets and livestream access: tciaf.com/nov-16-2021
Free to current student and educators

bestselling author Omar El AkkadThen on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., in another joint event with IAF, NWS hosts a conversation with bestselling author Omar El Akkad about his newest book, What Strange Paradise, which looks at the global refugee crisis through the lens of children. As an international journalist, El Akkad has reported from Afghanistan, Guantánamo Bay, and many other locations around the world, and brings his experience to the page in a book that the New York Times says “deserves to be an instant classic.”

Learn more and sign up for the virtual event here

IAF and NWS are proud to partner on these events which will highlight the ways that international stories and circumstances have a local impact, and how global policies impact the lives of real people right here in northern Michigan.

Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies either in person (between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings on NMC’s main campus) or virtually (via Zoom at nmc.zoom.us/j/99338087545) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:

  • Welcome remarks by Kevin D’Alessandro, NMC Enrollment Services
  • Student veteran remarks by Brandon Williams, U.S. Navy veteran and current NMC student
  • Flag raising ceremony presented by the VFW, Post 2780 Honor Guard
    * Star Spangled Banner performed by the Traverse City Central Marching Band
    * Three Volleys/Taps and a rifle salute in honor of the fallen will be performed
  • Closing remarks by Doug Bishop, NMC Trustee

All remarks will be delivered from the flagpole area.

Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.

Release date: November 9, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
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

Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies either in person (between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings on NMC’s main campus) or virtually (via Zoom at https://nmc.zoom.us/j/99338087545) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:

  • Welcome remarks by Kevin D’Alessandro, NMC Enrollment Services
  • Student veteran remarks by Brandon Williams, U.S. Navy veteran and current NMC student
  • Flag raising ceremony presented by the VFW, Post 2780 Honor Guard
    * Star Spangled Banner performed by the Traverse City Central Marching Band
    * Three Volleys/Taps and a rifle salute in honor of the fallen will be performed
  • Closing remarks by Doug Bishop, NMC Trustee

All remarks will be delivered from the flagpole area.

Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.

Release date: NOVEMBER 9, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
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

Thank you to Scott Herzberg

Hawk Owl Helper logoScott Herzberg, NMC’s Military Point of Contact for the college’s military and veteran students since 2012, is leaving the college Tuesday after 25 years of service to the college and its students.

In recognition of his work to increase the services that NMC offers student veterans, Herzberg won a 2015 John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College. He was also a Foundation Excellence Award winner in 2000 and 2016.

Thank you, Scott!

New archivist joins NMC

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has welcomed a new steward of the college’s institutional memory, archivist and librarian Michelle Seman.

Michelle SemanMichelle Seman (download a high-resolution version here)Seman succeeds Ann Swaney, who retired in October after 38 years with the college, or more than half of NMC’s entire 70-year history. She said one of her goals is to make archival materials more accessible to the community. The archives are currently housed in the basement of the Osterlin Building. While materials will remain there, renovations are underway to convert former offices on the second floor into space better suited to research.

“It’ll be more research-friendly,” said Seman, a 2010 graduate of Traverse City Central High School. She earned a master’s degree in library and information science with a concentration in archives from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2020.

Historic photographs and yearbooks are among the most popular items in the NMC Archives, Seman said. Some of these are available online at nmc.edu/archives. Seman is available to assist the public with archival research. Email mseman@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1016.

Release date: November 5, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
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

New archivist joins NMC

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has welcomed a new steward of the college’s institutional memory, archivist and librarian Michelle Seman.

Michelle SemanMichelle Seman (download a high-resolution version here)Seman succeeds Ann Swaney, who retired in October after 38 years with the college, or more than half of NMC’s entire 70-year history. She said one of her goals is to make archival materials more accessible to the community. The archives are currently housed in the basement of the Osterlin Building. While materials will remain there, renovations are underway to convert former offices on the second floor into space better suited to research.

“It’ll be more research-friendly,” said Seman, a 2010 graduate of Traverse City Central High School. She earned a master’s degree in library and information science with a concentration in archives from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2020.

Historic photographs and yearbooks are among the most popular items in the NMC Archives, Seman said. Some of these are available online at nmc.edu/archives. Seman is available to assist the public with archival research. Email mseman@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1016.

Release date: November 5, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
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

46th annual Mariners Memorial service

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to attend the 46th annual Mariners Memorial Service at noon Wednesday, November 10 in the courtyard of NMC’s Great Lakes Campus.

The memorial service is held to remember and honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and oceans and is sponsored by the Student Propeller Club, Port 150, of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

The Great Lakes Campus is located at 715 E. Front Street, at Barlow Avenue (next to the Holiday Inn) in Traverse City. Guests are invited to enter through the glass exhibition hall and proceed into the outdoor courtyard on the north side (harbor side) of the building.

For more information, call the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at (231) 995-1200.

Release date: November 4, 2021

For more information:

Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200

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

46th annual Mariners Memorial service

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to attend the 46th annual Mariners Memorial Service at noon Wednesday, November 10 in the courtyard of NMC’s Great Lakes Campus.

The memorial service is held to remember and honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and oceans and is sponsored by the Student Propeller Club, Port 150, of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

The Great Lakes Campus is located at 715 E. Front Street, at Barlow Avenue (next to the Holiday Inn) in Traverse City. Guests are invited to enter through the glass exhibition hall and proceed into the outdoor courtyard on the north side (harbor side) of the building.

For more information, call the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at (231) 995-1200.

Release date: November 4, 2021

For more information:

Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200

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

Eleven eligible to fill vacancy on Board of Trustees

TRAVERSE CITY — Eleven candidates are eligible to fill the seat on Board of Trustees vacated by former trustee Michael Estes last month.

The applicants, who must reside in Grand Traverse County, are:

  • Jackie Anderson, Traverse City
  • Vince Cornellier, Traverse City
  • Brian Craig, Traverse City
  • Madison Ford,Traverse City
  • David Grams, Traverse City
  • Todd Hall, Traverse City
  • Pamela Horne, Interlochen
  • Mattias Johnson, Traverse City
  • Andy Robitshek, Traverse City
  • Ty Schmidt, Traverse City
  • Thomas Webb, Traverse City

Estes resigned from NMC’s Board of Trustees effective Oct. 17. The new trustee will fill the term he was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.

Interviews will be conducted in special public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Final appointment will be made by the full NMC Board of Trustees at a special meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at NMC’s Hagerty Center.

Release date: November 4, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
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

Eleven eligible to fill vacancy on Board of Trustees

TRAVERSE CITY — Eleven candidates are eligible to fill the seat on Board of Trustees vacated by former trustee Michael Estes last month.

The applicants, who must reside in Grand Traverse County, are:

  • Jackie Anderson, Traverse City
  • Vince Cornellier, Traverse City
  • Brian Craig, Traverse City
  • Madison Ford,Traverse City
  • David Grams, Traverse City
  • Todd Hall, Traverse City
  • Pamela Horne, Interlochen
  • Mattias Johnson, Traverse City
  • Andy Robitshek, Traverse City
  • Ty Schmidt, Traverse City
  • Thomas Webb, Traverse City

Estes resigned from NMC’s Board of Trustees effective Oct. 17. The new trustee will fill the term he was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.

Interviews will be conducted in special public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Final appointment will be made by the full NMC Board of Trustees at a special meeting at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at NMC’s Hagerty Center.

Release date: November 4, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
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

Remember to lock vehicles and bikes on campus

NMC is investigating several reports of someone searching through unlocked vehicles in campus parking lots recently. Two unlocked bikes were also stolen on campus. Security is increasing surveillance in those areas.

Please remember to lock your vehicle when you are parked in campus lots. If you are traveling by bike, also remember to secure it with a bike lock.

MCAN launches Michigan Echo Scholarship

Michigan College Access Network is proud to announce the Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope and Opportunity Scholarship (MI ECHO), a tuition-free pathway for students who are not eligible for federal financial aid to pursue an associate degree or certificate. It is designed to serve DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status immigrants, Special Immigrant Juveniles, and other populations who are excluded from most traditional financial aid opportunities.

The scholarship application opened today, and eligible individuals can apply via online form or paper application. Inspired by the Futures for Frontliners program, this scholarship is for individuals who currently live in Michigan, worked an essential job during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree. Full eligibility requirements and application information is available at michiganecho.org.

“We were excited to see how Gov. Whitmer’s Futures for Frontliners program changed the conversation around community college and brought in so many Michiganders who are eager to improve their economic opportunities through postsecondary education,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “We designed MI ECHO to mirror that opportunity for workers who served in essential roles throughout the pandemic, but who are unable to access federal financial aid. MI ECHO honors the hard work of these individuals while investing in our workforce and moving us closer to our state’s Sixty by 30 goal.”

The MI ECHO Scholarship is funded by private donors and philanthropic organizations. Applications may be submitted through Dec. 31, 2022, but funds are limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply as early as they are able. We encourage you to share this information with anyone in your networks that works with the populations the scholarship is intending to serve.

If you have questions, please contact Ana Manzano, scholarship director, at info@michiganecho.org.

Learn more at michiganecho.org.

NMC faculty display their artwork in a special Dennos exhibition

Hawk Owl Helper logoNMC faculty art show illustrationThe Dennos Museum Center will display an exhibition of artwork by NMC faculty starting Wednesday, Nov. 3. The exhibition by Art Department faculty members — each a dedicated educator as well as a working professional artist — is the first on campus in over five years.

The artwork, by Coreene Kreiser, Mathew McGovern, Randolph Melick, Caroline Schaefer-Hills, Leah Schroeder, Rufus Jame Snoddy, Zach Tate, Adam VanHouten and Glenn Wolff, will be on display through January 2, 2022. Learn more here.

Strategic Planning update: 10/29/21

Dear NMC Community — Thank you for your continued active and engaged participation in our ongoing strategic planning process. Initiated in April, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee has reached a milestone: Completion of draft mission, vision, values, and strategy statements.

Strategy direction statements were presented to the Board of Trustees at the meeting on October 25. The Office of Research, Planning and Effectiveness is now conducting a survey of all employees on the final wording of the strategic direction statements as well as the mission, vision, and values statements. Please complete the survey by Nov. 2. Students and community members will also have an opportunity to provide feedback. We will also have a series of feedback forums next week for students, employees and the community to share their thoughts on the drafts. Please watch for specific communication on these events.

The strategies will be supported by actionable objectives that will serve as the College’s focus for the next three years. We embarked on the objectives phase in a workshop joined by 50 employees Oct. 22. A second objectives workshop will be held Nov. 5.

We also now know who will be overseeing implementation of those objectives. Jason Slade has been named as our new Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and will start his new role Nov. 29. Jason rose to the top of 90 candidates in a nationwide search and we are confident we have found the individual whose strengths and experiences will position the college all for great future success.

We will continue to provide regular updates on the strategic planning process as we work toward final plan approval by the Board of Trustees. The final strategic plan document will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December and then launched to the campus community in January 2022. The voices and critical insights of the entire NMC community are central to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this important process. You can get updates any time at nmc.edu/strategic-planning and email any questions to strategic-planning@nmc.edu.

Strategic Planning Feedback Session for NMC Students

NMC Students:

As the NMC strategic planning process continues, we are excited to share the draft mission, vision, values, and strategies. Please join NMC and our strategic planning partner, CampusWorks, for a virtual feedback session on Monday, Nov. 1, from 5–6:30 p.m. Students who participate will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card to express our appreciation for your engagement.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting!

NMC has partnered with CampusWorks, a leading higher education advisory firm, to facilitate the planning process, lead discussions, and gather ideas and recommendations from campus and community workshops, forums, focus groups, and surveys to inform the plan’s measurable goals and objectives. Dr. Chrissy Coley, Portfolio Executive Leader, and Dr. Kevin David, Portfolio Director, serve as our primary consulting team members. 

The final strategic plan document will be presented to the Board of Trustees in December and then launched to the campus community in January 2022. The voices and critical insights of the entire NMC community are central to the success of our efforts, and we value everyone’s participation as we engage in this important process.

If you have any questions, feedback or ideas, please email strategic-planning@nmc.edu. You can also find more information and updates at nmc.edu/strategic-planning.

President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010