Culinary Institute No. 8 in new, national earnings-to-debt rankings

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.”

GLCI was one of only two culinary programs in Michigan to make the top 25. GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education’s recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major. This allows students to make a cost-to-benefit analysis before choosing a school and major.

GLCI offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Kathryn Hockin is a 2019 culinary associate degree recipient who is now pursuing the baking certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business. She said that NMC scholarships have helped make her education even more affordable.

“NMC scholarships have played a tremendous role in allowing me to chase after my dreams without accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. They have given me the courage and opportunity to take my education further than I could have ever hoped,” Hockin said.

Previously, in 2016, GLCI was named the No. 11 culinary school in the country by BestChoiceSchools.

GLCI is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. Many of the Institute’s programs are 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. In 2004 GLCI moved to its current location on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, where facilities include Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute at
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1197
leckert@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

Culinary Institute No. 8 in new, national earnings-to-debt rankings

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.”

GLCI was one of only two culinary programs in Michigan to make the top 25. GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education’s recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major. This allows students to make a cost-to-benefit analysis before choosing a school and major.

GLCI offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Kathryn Hockin is a 2019 culinary associate degree recipient who is now pursuing the baking certificate and a bachelor’s degree in business. She said that NMC scholarships have helped make her education even more affordable.

“NMC scholarships have played a tremendous role in allowing me to chase after my dreams without accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt. They have given me the courage and opportunity to take my education further than I could have ever hoped,” Hockin said.

Previously, in 2016, GLCI was named the No. 11 culinary school in the country by BestChoiceSchools.

GLCI is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. Many of the Institute’s programs are 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. In 2004 GLCI moved to its current location on NMC’s Great Lakes campus, where facilities include Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant. Find out more at nmc.edu/culinary.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Les Eckert, MBA, CEPC, CCE, AAC
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute at
Northwestern Michigan College
231-995-1197
leckert@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

NMC earns gold-level distinction for service to veterans

Veteran friendly school logoTRAVERSE CITY — For the third year in a row, Northwestern Michigan College has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The designation was awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.

“Your commitment to helping student veterans succeed was evident in your application,” said Sarah M. Mellon of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “We commend your institution on its hard work and dedication to student veterans and dependents.”

To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven:

  • Established process for identification of current student veterans
  • Veteran-specific website
  • Active student veteran organization or club
  • Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
  • On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
  • System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
  • Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates

Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction.

“This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said.

About 5 percent of NMC’s student body are veterans or active duty military. Serving those who have served the nation has long been a priority for NMC, which established the office of Military & Veterans Services in 2012. For the last two years, Military Times has ranked NMC second in the nation among community colleges for its service to veterans.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
(231) 995-2526
sherzberg@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

NMC earns gold-level distinction for service to veterans

Veteran friendly school logoTRAVERSE CITY — For the third year in a row, Northwestern Michigan College has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The designation was awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year.

“Your commitment to helping student veterans succeed was evident in your application,” said Sarah M. Mellon of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “We commend your institution on its hard work and dedication to student veterans and dependents.”

To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven:

  • Established process for identification of current student veterans
  • Veteran-specific website
  • Active student veteran organization or club
  • Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring
  • On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
  • System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
  • Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress, and graduation rates

Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction.

“This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said.

About 5 percent of NMC’s student body are veterans or active duty military. Serving those who have served the nation has long been a priority for NMC, which established the office of Military & Veterans Services in 2012. For the last two years, Military Times has ranked NMC second in the nation among community colleges for its service to veterans.

 

RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
(231) 995-2526
sherzberg@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

White Pine Press wins 10 awards from Michigan Community College Press Association

Please join in applauding the inspiring and award-winning work of our White Pine Press staff, a talented and committed group that received 10 awards from the Michigan Community College Press Association this year. As Faculty Advisor Jacob Wheeler says, “This is a pretty good haul.”

  • Micah Mabey: Serious Column – FIRST PLACE – “The Unfortunate Truth of Anti-Semitism” (Jan. 24, 2020)
  • Winter Swamp: Original Cartoon – SECOND PLACE – “Different Names, Different Horrors” (Sept. 20, 2019)
  • Nick Moug: Critical Review – SECOND PLACE – “Reading Dante in Chaotic Times” (Dec. 6, 2019)
  • Ann Hosler: Critical Review – THIRD PLACE – “Shady Lady Book Review: Beyond the Limit” (Oct. 4, 2019)
  • Hannah Krohn: Original Comic, Entertainment – SECOND PLACE – “The Spooky Tale of the Directionally Dead” (Oct. 18, 2019)
  • Ann Hosler: Headline Writing – SECOND PLACE – “This Path is Paved in Words” (Nov. 15, 2019)
  • Ann Hosler: Photo Essay – HONORABLE MENTION – “Sushi Train” (March 22, 2019)
  • Stephanie Jones: Sports News Story – HONORABLE MENTION – “NMC Students Conquer Winter Baja Track” (Feb. 21, 2020)
  • General Excellence, Division 2 – SECOND PLACE – “Can I Kiss You?” (March 22, 2019)
  • Front Page Design – SECOND PLACE – “Can I Kiss You?” (March 22, 2019)

More information is located here:
The WPP Facebook page: facebook.com/thewhitepinepress/photos/a.289211801197141/2990463527738608
WPP Archive: whitepinepresstc.com/archive
Awards website: mccpa2020.wixsite.com/conference/categories

A Taste of Success raises more than $100,000 for scholarships despite cancellation for COVID-19

TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute’s Taste of Success raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships, despite the event’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the premier annual fundraiser for culinary students at Northwestern Michigan College and was scheduled for April 17, 2020. 

Thanks to the community’s support, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded 17 scholarships to students in April. Scholarship award amounts ranged from $1,500 to $5,000.

“These scholarships are more important than ever for students,” says Chef Les Eckert, Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. “In these challenging times, scholarships will enable students to stay in school and complete their degrees positioning them well for the future.”

The 2019 event raised more than $117,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. The Institute offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Many of the Institute’s programs are 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. 

Community members are still able to support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students by making gifts to the Taste of Success scholarship fund at nmc.edu/give.

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

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

Emergency Student Financial Assistance Available

Dear students,

We know this has been a challenging time for many of you as we all respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time NMC has remained committed to your safety and to limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. This includes working to help ease the financial hurdles to your education.

NMC has applied for funding through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

In addition, the NMC Foundation has emergency funds for scholarships.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

  • All students can fill out the application.
  • Only students who have completed a FAFSA and qualify for federal financial aid are eligible for CARES Act funds.
  • All students may be eligible for other types of aid from NMC.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are eligible for Federal Financial Aid, make sure to complete the FAFSA. Others, just complete the Emergency Aid Application.

Aid will be awarded in the order of application.The amount will be based on:

  • type of emergency financial need
  • prior known financial need
  • number of credits enrolled
  • availability of funds

OTHER ASSISTANCE:

  • Refund requests for dropped courses: The refund date for the semester has already passed, but you can make a refund exception request here.
    • We have streamlined the process and will not require additional documentation for COVID-19 related issues.Refund Exception Form
  • Apply for scholarships here.
  • If you are not sure whether you fit the criteria for emergency funds, but have a financial need, question, or concern, please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@nmc.edu. As always we are here to assist you to make sure you are able to benefit from all aid that you are eligible for.

A Taste of Success raises more than $100,000 for scholarships despite cancellation for COVID-19

TRAVERSE CITY — Supporters of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute’s Taste of Success raised more than $100,000 for student scholarships, despite the event’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the premier annual fundraiser for culinary students at Northwestern Michigan College and was scheduled for April 17, 2020. 

Thanks to the community’s support, the Great Lakes Culinary Institute awarded 17 scholarships to students in April. Scholarship award amounts ranged from $1,500 to $5,000.

“These scholarships are more important than ever for students,” says Chef Les Eckert, Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. “In these challenging times, scholarships will enable students to stay in school and complete their degrees positioning them well for the future.”

The 2019 event raised more than $117,000 for student scholarships. The event was first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated areas of study for students planning careers in the hospitality and food-service industry. The Institute offers both degrees and certificate programs, including its newest baking certificate. Many of the Institute’s programs are 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. 

Community members are still able to support Great Lakes Culinary Institute students by making gifts to the Taste of Success scholarship fund at nmc.edu/give.

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

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

Success Story: Alumna pilot flies medical supplies around the globe

April 29, 2020

Kelly Lepley in front of planeKelly Lepley, NMC Aviation 1989, has flown cargo flights for UPS since 2001 and is currently a captain flying supply lines to southeast Asia, India, Europe and the United States. She has a unique, birds-eye view of how coronavirus has literally transformed the world from where it started in Wuhan, China, last December. The Traverse City native who started flight training as a high school junior shared her appreciation for NMC and answered a few questions during an April layover in China:

“I would not be doing what I love if it wasn’t for NMC. The foundations of what I learned as a student has carried me through my career today,” she said. “It’s rewarding yet, humbling to know we are carrying lifesaving equipment for those on the front line.”

Does anything in your pilot experience compare to the COVID-19 pandemic? Nothing. It is indescribable! To see hundreds of large jets lined up on taxiways, chocked with their engine covers on; parked in cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Cologne, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen is eerie. It would be one thing if it was at one airport, but I’m seeing it everywhere we go. You just cannot describe the magnitude of this moment in history in air travel. This pandemic has literally crippled the world when it comes to freely moving about in what was once a global society.

Kelly Lepley with maskHow has COVID-19 impacted your work? We’re each given an N95 mask for our whole trip along with alcohol wipes. When we arrive stateside in some key international cities, the aircraft are cleaned and desensitized. Layovers are much more challenging. In some of the places we travel, we will undergo multiple temperature checks, a health screening and mouth swab. After a 12-hour flight, it takes an additional 2-3 hours to be processed through these screenings before we are allowed into the country.

What have you seen elsewhere that might foreshadow how the U.S. recovers? In February and March, there were little to no passenger flights. If any, they were repatriation flights. On occasion you would hear another cargo flight, but the majority of the time, we were the only one talking on the radio. When on the ground, the streets were empty, factories and businesses were closed, and hotels were vacant. In late March and early April, factories and businesses began to open back up, and limitations on travel were slowly lifted. The one area that is still lagging though, are passenger flights.

NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye said passenger traffic is down 95 percent. However, there are bright spots beyond the delivery sector that Lepley represents.

“With the airlines facing temporary route cancellations during COVID-19, there have been sectors of aviation seeing a surge in activity and talent. Private charter services, as well as the military are two examples,” he said.

Bloye also foresees the commercial industry rebounding, perhaps strongly. The pandemic may have hastened some senior captains’ retirement plans.

“The pilot shortage is going to be even greater when the world returns to air travel,” Bloye said. “The recovery is going to be excellent for aviation, the trick is determining when that will happen.”

Amid COVID-19, NMC’s Class of 2020 is 600-strong

TRAVERSE CITY — Despite an unprecedented worldwide health crisis that disrupted nearly all aspects of daily life, about 600 students will graduate in Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2020.

They have earned degrees and certificates including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology.

Commencement was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, a ceremony has been postponed either until August or a double ceremony in May 2021.

 Face-to-face classes were cancelled March 13 and students finished the semester by learning remotely.

NMC President Nick Nissley praised both students and college faculty and staff for their rapid pivot. Face-to-face classes and all student services, including advising, financial aid and personal counseling were transitioned to remote operation over the course of about a week. 

“I’ve seen our NMC community overcome challenges we couldn’t have imagined three months ago,” Nissley said. “While we have to postpone the traditional pomp and circumstance of a commencement ceremony this spring, the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff are even more worthy of recognition.” 

From students who chose to remain safe in North Hall to Maritime cadets aboard the training ship State of Michigan to students working on the front lines in the region’s health care facilities, perseverance and commitment to long-term goals was abundant this semester.

Students who complete degree requirements in the fall 2019, spring 2020 and summer 2020 semesters are considered members of the Class of 2020. A list of graduates is available online here.

Summer sessions begin May 9 and June 12. All summer classes will also be held online. NMC is still considering options for fall class delivery, prioritizing student and employee safety while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. 

Release date: APRIL 29, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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

Amid COVID-19, NMC’s Class of 2020 is 600-strong

TRAVERSE CITY — Despite an unprecedented worldwide health crisis that disrupted nearly all aspects of daily life, about 600 students will graduate in Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2020.

They have earned degrees and certificates including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology.

Commencement was scheduled for Saturday, May 2, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, a ceremony has been postponed either until August or a double ceremony in May 2021.

 Face-to-face classes were cancelled March 13 and students finished the semester by learning remotely.

NMC President Nick Nissley praised both students and college faculty and staff for their rapid pivot. Face-to-face classes and all student services, including advising, financial aid and personal counseling were transitioned to remote operation over the course of about a week. 

“I’ve seen our NMC community overcome challenges we couldn’t have imagined three months ago,” Nissley said. “While we have to postpone the traditional pomp and circumstance of a commencement ceremony this spring, the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff are even more worthy of recognition.” 

From students who chose to remain safe in North Hall to Maritime cadets aboard the training ship State of Michigan to students working on the front lines in the region’s health care facilities, perseverance and commitment to long-term goals was abundant this semester.

Students who complete degree requirements in the fall 2019, spring 2020 and summer 2020 semesters are considered members of the Class of 2020. A list of graduates is available online here.

Summer sessions begin May 9 and June 12. All summer classes will also be held online. NMC is still considering options for fall class delivery, prioritizing student and employee safety while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. 

Release date: APRIL 29, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director 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

Success Story: Alumna pilot flies medical supplies around the globe

April 29, 2020

Kelly Lepley in front of planeKelly Lepley, NMC Aviation 1989, has flown cargo flights for UPS since 2001 and is currently a captain flying supply lines to southeast Asia, India, Europe and the United States. She has a unique, birds-eye view of how coronavirus has literally transformed the world from where it started in Wuhan, China, last December. The Traverse City native who started flight training as a high school junior shared her appreciation for NMC and answered a few questions during an April layover in China:

“I would not be doing what I love if it wasn’t for NMC. The foundations of what I learned as a student has carried me through my career today,” she said. “It’s rewarding yet, humbling to know we are carrying lifesaving equipment for those on the front line.”

Does anything in your pilot experience compare to the COVID-19 pandemic? Nothing. It is indescribable! To see hundreds of large jets lined up on taxiways, chocked with their engine covers on; parked in cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Cologne, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen is eerie. It would be one thing if it was at one airport, but I’m seeing it everywhere we go. You just cannot describe the magnitude of this moment in history in air travel. This pandemic has literally crippled the world when it comes to freely moving about in what was once a global society.

Kelly Lepley with maskHow has COVID-19 impacted your work? We’re each given an N95 mask for our whole trip along with alcohol wipes. When we arrive stateside in some key international cities, the aircraft are cleaned and desensitized. Layovers are much more challenging. In some of the places we travel, we will undergo multiple temperature checks, a health screening and mouth swab. After a 12-hour flight, it takes an additional 2-3 hours to be processed through these screenings before we are allowed into the country.

What have you seen elsewhere that might foreshadow how the U.S. recovers? In February and March, there were little to no passenger flights. If any, they were repatriation flights. On occasion you would hear another cargo flight, but the majority of the time, we were the only one talking on the radio. When on the ground, the streets were empty, factories and businesses were closed, and hotels were vacant. In late March and early April, factories and businesses began to open back up, and limitations on travel were slowly lifted. The one area that is still lagging though, are passenger flights.

NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye said passenger traffic is down 95 percent. However, there are bright spots beyond the delivery sector that Lepley represents.

“With the airlines facing temporary route cancellations during COVID-19, there have been sectors of aviation seeing a surge in activity and talent. Private charter services, as well as the military are two examples,” he said.

Bloye also foresees the commercial industry rebounding, perhaps strongly. The pandemic may have hastened some senior captains’ retirement plans.

“The pilot shortage is going to be even greater when the world returns to air travel,” Bloye said. “The recovery is going to be excellent for aviation, the trick is determining when that will happen.”

A promise to students from President Nissley

Dear students,

As we enter the last week of the spring semester, I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you and let you know how proud I am of each and every one of you. When we started this semester in January, none of us could have known how dramatically all of our lives would change in such a short period of time. But throughout it all, you are persevering and demonstrating a dedication that truly inspires me. (more…)

Success Story: Rising to the challenges of COVID-19

April 22, 2020

Photo of a cache of N95 masks and other medical suppliesPlanning ahead more than a decade ago led to a timely discovery this month, a pattern of foresight NMC aims to continue through COVID-19 uncertainty.

A cache of stored personal protective equipment, including 400 N95 masks originally ordered in 2009 for the H1N1 flu pandemic, was discovered earlier this month by an employee filling food pantry orders. The supplies, which also included gowns and face shields, had been stored in the Osterlin building due to lack of space in the NMC Health clinic.

Katie Sommer“I walked out of the food pantry door, and saw ‘N95’ on a sticky note,” said Katie Sommer (right), manager of NMC’s Office of Learning Services. “It was like a lightbulb going off. That word stands out these days.”

Sommer opened the cabinet with the note, alerted others of her discovery, and the supplies were promptly donated to Munson Medical Center.

At first glance a fortuitous coincidence, the discovery illustrates NMC’s strategic value of exhibiting foresight. The existence of the food pantry is another. Started in 2017, Sommer said last week was the pantry’s busiest ever — despite the fact that campuses are closed. Orders are called in or placed online, and picked up outdoors.

Food Pantry curbside pickup photoFood Pantry curbside pickup items“It’s a great resource and asset,” said Sommer. “I would venture to say the 15 families we’re supporting now are very grateful to whoever had that idea.”

Foresight is more important now than ever, with COVID-19 creating so much uncertainty. The college has already decided all summer classes will be offered online only. All student services including orientation and student success coaching, usually held on campus, are also being offered remotely.

“We’ve really challenged ourselves to see what different modalities we can offer our services in,” said Sommer, noting that Advising calendars have stayed as full as if face-to-face services were being offered.

Calling all Hawk Owl Heroes and Helpers

We know there are many of you helping students, helping each other and helping the community during this unprecedented time. Share these uplifting stories by emailing them to publicrelations@nmc.edu to help raise our spirits and bring us closer together as we work toward our common goals.

What and who are you grateful for right now? Who has helped you? Who do you see stepping up and pitching in to help others?

Please share your story, or tell us a story of a classmate, instructor, staff member or co-worker who is demonstrating how NMC is made up of heroes and helpers. Send your stories to publicrelations@nmc.edu.