Success Story: Students awarded $1.33 million; new diversity scholarship available

Mar 9, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

March 9, 2022

When Hailey Greimel graduates from NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute this May, not only will she transfer to the Ivy League of culinary schools, she’ll do so without debt, thanks to NMC scholarships.

(download a high-resolution version here) Greimel, 20 (right and below), is among 1,198 students to share in this year’s record-breaking scholarship awards. So far in 2021–22, NMC has awarded $1.33 million in scholarships with some funds still available.

“We still have funds to award for summer and may hit $1.4 million,” said Linda Berlin, director of financial aid.

The average 2021–22 scholarship award to date is $1,109. Greimel, a dean’s list student and 2020 graduate of Petoskey High School, said scholarships combined with GLCI’s high-caliber programming made NMC an easy choice for pursuing both her baking certificate and associate degree in culinary sales.

“(Scholarships) sweetened the deal,” she said. “Because of the great opportunities offered here, I was able to get a great scholarship to Johnson & Wales.” The Providence, R.I.-based university, considered the Ivy League of culinary programs, offered Greimel a full scholarship.

(download a high-resolution
version here)Criteria for NMC’s many scholarships include a wide range of factors, from program of study to residency to financial need, academic merit and extracurricular pursuits. One of the newest scholarships, created by longtime NMC supporter Ann Rogers, provides financial assistance to students active in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work at the college through involvement in committees or clubs, and are specifically involved in supporting underrepresented groups.

The Rogers Diversity Scholarship, a $1,000 annual award, aligns with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategic area of NMC’s recently adopted strategic plan, NMC Next. Rogers, who is a donor to three other scholarships supporting environmental science, science and astronomy, hopes establishing the scholarship will encourage others to join her in support of diversity at NMC. ( Donate here.)

“It’s especially critical in these times,” said Rogers (right). “The college itself needs to be very welcoming and supportive.”

The Rogers Diversity Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the 2022–23 academic year.

The previous scholarship record was achieved in the 2019–20 academic year, when NMC awarded $1.28 million in scholarships to 964 recipients. Last year the college awarded $1.17 million to 1,259 recipients. NMC is also a leader in scholarship applications, with 41 percent of NMC students completing the scholarship application last year and 30 percent of enrolled students receiving at least one scholarship. The most recent National Postsecondary Student Aid Study states that only 6% of public 2‐year college students receive institutional aid.

Big Little Hero Race registration now open

Mar 9, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The seventh annual Big Little Hero Race returns Saturday, April 23 to Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus with a theme of mentorship matters. An experiential learning project by students in a Professional Communications class, each donation for this event up to $5,000 will be matched by a local sponsor and benefit College for Kids Scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Every year the Big Little Hero Race team chooses a local hero to lead the fun run and recognize during the award ceremony. This year’s race will honor Great Lakes Potato Chip owner Chris Girrbach, who is three races into a mission to complete a triathlon in every state to raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Lakes also will produce special edition packages of potato chips for the race.

“I wanted to do my part to help Bigs the best way I know how. Some kids get the short end of the stick, and Bigs makes a world of difference to those kids, so it’s the least I can do,” Girrbach said.

All races begin and finish near the West Hall Innovation building on NMC’s main campus. This event includes:

• 1 mile fun run/walk: Free to participate & free cape for kids
• 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
• 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
• Virtual: $15 for all

Food, an inflatable obstacle course, live music by Drew Hale and an awards ceremony follow the race. Medals will be presented for:

• Top three male/female finishers for both 5K and 10K
• Best costume for male, female, child, group, and dog

The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register before March 20 for early bird prices, and by April 3 to guarantee a free t-shirt.

To register, donate or for more information please visit biglittleherorace.com

Release date: March 9, 2022

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Angelika Diehl
Student media contact
(231) 360-4870
diehla@mail.nmc.edu

Big Little Hero Race registration now open

Mar 9, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The seventh annual Big Little Hero Race returns Saturday, April 23 to Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus with a theme of mentorship matters. An experiential learning project by students in a Professional Communications class, each donation for this event up to $5,000 will be matched by a local sponsor and benefit College for Kids Scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Every year the Big Little Hero Race team chooses a local hero to lead the fun run and recognize during the award ceremony. This year’s race will honor Great Lakes Potato Chip owner Chris Girrbach, who is three races into a mission to complete a triathlon in every state to raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Lakes also will produce special edition packages of potato chips for the race.

“I wanted to do my part to help Bigs the best way I know how. Some kids get the short end of the stick, and Bigs makes a world of difference to those kids, so it’s the least I can do,” Girrbach said.

All races begin and finish near the West Hall Innovation building on NMC’s main campus. This event includes:

• 1 mile fun run/walk: Free to participate & free cape for kids
• 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
• 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
• Virtual: $15 for all

Food, an inflatable obstacle course, live music by Drew Hale and an awards ceremony follow the race. Medals will be presented for:

• Top three male/female finishers for both 5K and 10K
• Best costume for male, female, child, group, and dog

The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register before March 20 for early bird prices, and by April 3 to guarantee a free t-shirt.

To register, donate or for more information please visit biglittleherorace.com

Release date: March 9, 2022

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Angelika Diehl
Student media contact
(231) 360-4870
diehla@mail.nmc.edu

NMC Bookstore: Spring Break closure, Spring rental due date & Summer textbooks

Mar 8, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

The bookstore will be closed March 28–April 1 for Spring Break. We will reopen Monday, April 4.

Spring rentals are due back to the bookstore by Tuesday, May 10.

Summer textbooks will be available online and at the bookstore Monday, April 4. Stop by the store or check them out online at bookstore.nmc.edu. Looking to use financial aid for your books? Summer financial aid will be available April 25–June 28.

March is Disability Awareness Month

Mar 8, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

Originally established in 1987, Disability Awareness Month gives us a reason to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of our friends and neighbors who are part of the disabled community.

Our own NMC librarians have curated a list of books and movies available to anyone wishing to learn more.

• Books in the NMC Library 
• Films to stream for free from Kanopy

Stop by the display case located in the main entrance of Osterlin for additional book recommendations and more!

Virtual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11

Feb 27, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC invites the community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies virtually beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, via Zoom: https://nmc.zoom.us/j/93088013765

The schedule is as follows:

9 a.m.:  Opening Remarks by Student Veterans of America President, Alex Swainston and Northwestern Michigan College President, Nick Nissley, Ed.D.
9:15: Posting the colors, playing of “Taps” and three volleys by VFW Cherryland Post 2780
9:20: Coining Ceremony for VFW Veterans
9:25: Closing remarks by POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor, Scott Herzberg

Serving those who have served the nation is a year-round priority at NMC, where about 5 percent of students are veterans or active duty military. This year, for the third year in a row, NMC is ranked as the No. 2 community college in the country for veterans by Military Times magazine in its annual Best for Vets list.

Release date: November 5, 2020

For more information:

Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services
sherzberg@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2526

Success Story: TC Central grad spending semester in Switzerland

Feb 23, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

February 23, 2022

2019 Traverse City Central High School graduate Ted Roe landed in Geneva, Switzerland last month to begin a semester studying abroad and interning at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Roe’s dual-enrolled classes at NMC, which he took as a Central student, were an important step on that journey across the Atlantic Ocean, to one of the most prestigious centers of scientific research in the world.

At NMC, Roe took Calculus III and Differential Equations. Both were key to him being able to complete a double major in math and physics at Notre Dame University within four years.

“Getting those high level math classes was a really high priority,” said Roe, now a junior. “It was extremely beneficial to me.”

He’ll spend the spring semester studying at the University of Geneva, and working at CERN. Classes will be taught in French, and Roe expects that to be “a little rough” at first.

Later this winter, NMC Admissions staff will begin visiting regional high schools recruiting for dual enrollment this fall. Students can enroll as early as ninth grade. In-district tuition is paid by the school district, not the student or their families, saving both time and money. The newest partnerships are with the Greenspire High School and Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center.

On average, dual-enrolled students earn between 30–40 credits. Some earn enough to start college as sophomores or even higher. Read more about dual enrollment and the successes of dual-enrolled students from:

• Grand Traverse Academy
• Kingsley
• Traverse City West

Success Story: TC Central grad spending semester in Switzerland

Feb 23, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

February 23, 2022

2019 Traverse City Central High School graduate Ted Roe landed in Geneva, Switzerland last month to begin a semester studying abroad and interning at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Roe’s dual-enrolled classes at NMC, which he took as a Central student, were an important step on that journey across the Atlantic Ocean, to one of the most prestigious centers of scientific research in the world.

At NMC, Roe took Calculus III and Differential Equations. Both were key to him being able to complete a double major in math and physics at Notre Dame University within four years.

“Getting those high level math classes was a really high priority,” said Roe, now a junior. “It was extremely beneficial to me.”

He’ll spend the spring semester studying at the University of Geneva, and working at CERN. Classes will be taught in French, and Roe expects that to be “a little rough” at first.

Later this winter, NMC Admissions staff will begin visiting regional high schools recruiting for dual enrollment this fall. Students can enroll as early as ninth grade. In-district tuition is paid by the school district, not the student or their families, saving both time and money. The newest partnerships are with the Greenspire High School and Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center.

On average, dual-enrolled students earn between 30–40 credits. Some earn enough to start college as sophomores or even higher. Read more about dual enrollment and the successes of dual-enrolled students from:

• Grand Traverse Academy
• Kingsley
• Traverse City West

COVID-19: Important update on masks

Feb 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

Good afternoon NMC community,

Starting Monday, Feb. 28, Northwestern Michigan College will move to a new phase of our COVID-19 response. Masks will be recommended, but no longer required, while inside NMC buildings. This change aligns College policy with state and local guidelines, spurred by a downward trend of cases, related hospitalizations, and an increased vaccination rate in our service area. Echoing the messages from our health departments, the College continues to promote vaccination, boosters, and high-filtration masks as proven protective measures that should be considered based on individual risk factors. Further:

• N95 and surgical masks will continue to be provided in all campus buildings.
• The College will continue its quarantine protocols, contract tracing efforts, enhanced cleaning/sanitization efforts, and rapid testing services through Health Services.
• Case reporting procedures are still in effect and will continue to be reported on NMC’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
• If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like systems, please stay home and seek campus or community testing resources to help mitigate on-campus spread.
• As an exception, the College’s Health Occupation programs and Health Services office will continue required masking based on Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommendations.

It has been almost two years since we began the COVID-19 response efforts to keep our community safe and limit the disruption to learning. We can be proud of our united approach grounded in our NMC values of integrity, collaboration and respect. As a result, while we have faced challenges, our NMC community continues to deliver on our mission everyday. As we enter this “post-surge recovery phase,” the College will continue to monitor conditions and will be prepared to adjust protocols as needed. Thank you for your support and for continuing to model the NMC values that are central to our shared success. If you have questions related to NMC’s COVID-19 response please contact us using this feedback form.

COVID-19: Important update on masks

Feb 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

Good afternoon NMC community,

Starting Monday, Feb. 28, Northwestern Michigan College will move to a new phase of our COVID-19 response. Masks will be recommended, but no longer required, while inside NMC buildings. This change aligns College policy with state and local guidelines, spurred by a downward trend of cases, related hospitalizations, and an increased vaccination rate in our service area. Echoing the messages from our health departments, the College continues to promote vaccination, boosters, and high-filtration masks as proven protective measures that should be considered based on individual risk factors. Further:

• N95 and surgical masks will continue to be provided in all campus buildings.
• The College will continue its quarantine protocols, contract tracing efforts, enhanced cleaning/sanitization efforts, and rapid testing services through Health Services.
• Case reporting procedures are still in effect and will continue to be reported on NMC’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
• If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like systems, please stay home and seek campus or community testing resources to help mitigate on-campus spread.
• As an exception, the College’s Health Occupation programs and Health Services office will continue required masking based on Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommendations.

It has been almost two years since we began the COVID-19 response efforts to keep our community safe and limit the disruption to learning. We can be proud of our united approach grounded in our NMC values of integrity, collaboration and respect. As a result, while we have faced challenges, our NMC community continues to deliver on our mission everyday. As we enter this “post-surge recovery phase,” the College will continue to monitor conditions and will be prepared to adjust protocols as needed. Thank you for your support and for continuing to model the NMC values that are central to our shared success.

NMC Music presents four winter concerts

Feb 18, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s music performance ensembles present four upcoming concerts. Details are as follows.

• Friday, February 25: NMC Concert Band , 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
• Sunday, February 27: NMC Choral performance – featuring the NMC Chamber Singers, Grand Traverse Chorale and the NMC Children’s Choirs. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium

 Tickets are available online or call the box office at (231) 995-1340.

• Sunday, March 6: Jazz Big Band, 3 p.m., Grand Traverse Circuit
• Sunday, March 13: NMC Jazz Lab Band, 3 p.m., Grand Traverse Circuit

 A suggested donation of $20 includes complimentary food and wine. The Grand Traverse Circuit is located at 225 W. Fourteenth St.,Traverse City.

Release date: FEBRUARY 18, 2022

For more information:

Jeffrey Cobb
NMC Director of Music Programs
jecobb@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1338

NMC Music presents four winter concerts

Feb 18, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s music performance ensembles present four upcoming concerts. Details are as follows.

• Friday, February 25: NMC Concert Band , 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium
• Sunday, February 27: NMC Choral performance – featuring the NMC Chamber Singers, Grand Traverse Chorale and the NMC Children’s Choirs. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium

 Tickets are available online or call the box office at (231) 995-1340.

• Sunday, March 6: Jazz Big Band, 3 p.m., Grand Traverse Circuit
• Sunday, March 13: NMC Jazz Lab Band, 3 p.m., Grand Traverse Circuit

 A suggested donation of $20 includes complimentary food and wine. The Grand Traverse Circuit is located at 225 W. Fourteenth St.,Traverse City.

Release date: FEBRUARY 18, 2022

For more information:

Jeffrey Cobb
NMC Director of Music Programs
jecobb@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1338

NMC Jazz Bands at the GT Circuit

Feb 16, 2022 | Intercom, Student News

Two swinging afternoons of big band jazz are coming to the Grand Traverse Circuit! The first is with the NMC Jazz Big Band on Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m.

The second event is with the NMC Jazz Lab Band on Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. A suggested donation of $20 includes complimentary food, wine and great music!

The Circuit is located at 225 W. Fourteenth St., Traverse City.