Mar 23, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Marcus Bennett (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — NMC Associate Dean of Campus and Residence Life Marcus Bennett has received the 2020 Reserve Officer of America Outstanding Family Support Contributor award for his work to support safe operation of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training ship cruises.
Bennett was nominated for the award, presented by the Reserve Organization of America, Michigan Department, by GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach. In summer 2020, Bennett facilitated a system of quarantines in NMC residence halls that ensured 42 maritime cadets were able to safely board and sail on the training ship State of Michigan or a comercial vessel despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the six state maritime academies in the U.S. GLMA was one of only two that was able to sail in 2020, which afforded cadets the opportunity to earn required sea time and remain on track to graduate. The award noted Bennett’s efforts helped cadets and family members “endure extreme conditions of a pandemic” and graduate on schedule.
Vaccines may eliminate the need to quarantine before this year’s cruises, but if not, Bennett will be relied upon again, Achenbach said.
“Currently, Dr. Bennett is working tirelessly to ensure that a safe quarantine will be ready in May 2021 for the cadets, if needed,” he said.
Read more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
Release date: MARCH 23, 2021
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@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
Mar 22, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
We may not be taking a true Spring Break this year, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pause now and again in the heart of the semester to recharge.
Although we’re interacting plenty over Zoom lately, we are missing out on the rich subculture of the chance hallway encounter and the coffee pot confab.
In the vernal spirit of renewal, NMC Library and Friends present, Revelers at Roost, a staycation for your mind!
- What: Eight mini-newsletters from NMC Library & Friends. ‘Subscribe’ to one, two, or all eight!
- When: March 29–April 2
- How it Works: Browse the contributor blurbs here to find out what kind of things you can expect from their newsletters, then sign up for the ones that interest you. That’s it! For each mini-newsletter you subscribe to, you’ll receive one short message each day of what would have been Spring Break.
Mar 22, 2021 | Student News
Faculty Excellence Award nominations are due by Friday, April 9. Nominate your favorite instructor now!
Award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom, and a sense of dedication.
Mar 22, 2021 | Student News
Want to keep your child’s academic skills sharp over the summer?
The GRASP Reading & Math flexible at-home program lets you take learning with you wherever you go! This proven program is conducted by mail with no screentime. Students complete one lesson a week, June 21-Aug. 20, and local teachers provide encouraging guidance. $99 for one subject; or $149 for both subjects. View details and enroll at nmc.edu/grasp.
Registration deadline is May 21.
Mar 17, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
March 17, 2021
From left, nursing student Bethany Newell, instructor Amy Trouslot, student Jessica Wichtoski and NMC President Nick Nissley at the Hagerty Center vaccine clinicNMC nursing students this month began contributing to the community-wide effort that has made Grand Traverse County a statewide leader in COVID-19 vaccinations.
Senior practice students have been volunteering at the mass vaccine clinic hosted at NMC’s Hagerty Center every Tuesday since March 2. Instructor Amy Trouslot said the health department contacted her seeking help to vaccinate the 800–1,000 people the site sees daily. It offers the “perfect opportunity” for students to practice community health care, which broadens the acute, hospital care they typically focus on, Trouslot said.
Patti Friedli, a nurse practitioner at the Grand Traverse Health Department and the lead nurse at the March 9 clinic, said the NMC students’ participation freed up other health department staff. A total of 32 nursing students will participate in the clinic through April 20.
“We’re so grateful to have these students. We really don’t have a lot of extra help available. Some of us can go back and do our regular job,” Friedli said.
From left, NMC nursing students Jessica Wichtoski and Kalynn Britten, instructor Amy Trouslot, and students Jamie Grainger and Bethany Newell at the Hagerty Center ClinicFor the students, most of whom are already working, the clinic was a gratifying place to be as the pandemic marks its one-year anniversary.
“It feels good, protecting the community,” said Jessica Wichtoski, 29, a nurse assistant at Munson Medical Center.
Jamie Grainger, 34, agreed. She’s a nurse assistant assigned to the cardiac ICU at Munson, but she’s been floated to the COVID unit.
“It’s rough, and I’m happy to see people doing it,” she said, as a steady stream of patients flowed through the nine vaccination stations set up at the Hagerty Center.
“It was a crazy time,” said Kalynn Britten, 31, a phlebotomist at Munson, of the pandemic’s beginning. She added that on a personal front, while she’s not yet been able to see a nephew born in November, she thinks the wait will be over soon.
“It’s those small steps forward. We’re getting back to some sort of normal,” she said.
The students, who will all graduate in May, spoke highly of their NMC education overall.
“I’m so happy I made this choice,” said Grainger, who was accepted elsewhere but chose NMC. “The instructors have been amazing.”
“You can tell these instructors care and they have such a passion for what they’re teaching,” Britten agreed.
The State of Michigan lists Grand Traverse County as one of the top three counties for vaccination coverage statewide, with 38.7 percent of the population over age 16 vaccinated as of March 15. The statewide average is 24.9 percent. Grand Traverse County is also significantly ahead of the statewide average with the priority group of people ages 65 and over.
Friedli said the health department’s focus on seniors and NMC making the Hagerty Center available has driven that success.
“We have a great facility partnered with NMC. You can just feel the energy and excitement in this building,” she said. “Everyone has pitched in. That’s what public health is.”
Mar 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
March 17, 2021
From left, nursing student Bethany Newell, instructor Amy Trouslot, student Jessica Wichtoski and NMC President Nick Nissley at the Hagerty Center vaccine clinicNMC nursing students this month began contributing to the community-wide effort that has made Grand Traverse County a statewide leader in COVID-19 vaccinations.
Senior practice students have been volunteering at the mass vaccine clinic hosted at NMC’s Hagerty Center every Tuesday since March 2. Instructor Amy Trouslot said the health department contacted her seeking help to vaccinate the 800–1,000 people the site sees daily. It offers the “perfect opportunity” for students to practice community health care, which broadens the acute, hospital care they typically focus on, Trouslot said.
Patti Friedli, a nurse practitioner at the Grand Traverse Health Department and the lead nurse at the March 9 clinic, said the NMC students’ participation freed up other health department staff. A total of 32 nursing students will participate in the clinic through April 20.
“We’re so grateful to have these students. We really don’t have a lot of extra help available. Some of us can go back and do our regular job,” Friedli said.
From left, NMC nursing students Jessica Wichtoski and Kalynn Britten, instructor Amy Trouslot, and students Jamie Grainger and Bethany Newell at the Hagerty Center ClinicFor the students, most of whom are already working, the clinic was a gratifying place to be as the pandemic marks its one-year anniversary.
“It feels good, protecting the community,” said Jessica Wichtoski, 29, a nurse assistant at Munson Medical Center.
Jamie Grainger, 34, agreed. She’s a nurse assistant assigned to the cardiac ICU at Munson, but she’s been floated to the COVID unit.
“It’s rough, and I’m happy to see people doing it,” she said, as a steady stream of patients flowed through the nine vaccination stations set up at the Hagerty Center.
“It was a crazy time,” said Kalynn Britten, 31, a phlebotomist at Munson, of the pandemic’s beginning. She added that on a personal front, while she’s not yet been able to see a nephew born in November, she thinks the wait will be over soon.
“It’s those small steps forward. We’re getting back to some sort of normal,” she said.
The students, who will all graduate in May, spoke highly of their NMC education overall.
“I’m so happy I made this choice,” said Grainger, who was accepted elsewhere but chose NMC. “The instructors have been amazing.”
“You can tell these instructors care and they have such a passion for what they’re teaching,” Britten agreed.
The State of Michigan lists Grand Traverse County as one of the top three counties for vaccination coverage statewide, with 38.7 percent of the population over age 16 vaccinated as of March 15. The statewide average is 24.9 percent. Grand Traverse County is also significantly ahead of the statewide average with the priority group of people ages 65 and over.
Friedli said the health department’s focus on seniors and NMC making the Hagerty Center available has driven that success.
“We have a great facility partnered with NMC. You can just feel the energy and excitement in this building,” she said. “Everyone has pitched in. That’s what public health is.”
Mar 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
March 17, 2021
For more than three decades, Traverse City resident Dick Grout (right) has pushed NMC’s mission to provide lifelong learning opportunities to its outer limits.
The 100-year-old World War II veteran’s Extended Education class records go back to 1988. He’s currently enrolled in a class on the history of U.S. presidents. It’s one of several Grout has taken from Jack Segal, who at 75 was born the year the war ended, in part thanks to Grout’s service.
“I just think it’s important to keep challenged mentally,” said Grout, a widower who lives at the Cordia senior living residential community in Traverse City. “I don’t want to sit here by myself and vegetate. I want to be involved with other people.”
Since COVID hit, Extended Education classes have been virtual, but Grout’s taken the videoconferencing technology in stride.
“We certainly would rather be in person, (but) there’s all kinds of ways to get together,” he said.
Ken Pickering and Jeane PoosGrout’s not the only centenarian student at Extended Education, either. Jeane Poos turns 100 this month. She and her devoted partner Ken Pickering, 95, have a lengthy transcript of EES classes between them. They too have taken Segal’s classes, as well as culinary courses, art and music and getting the most from your iPhone. They’ve been on the instructor side, too, presenting on their travels including a trip to Norway and Russia at Extended Ed’s twice-annual Campus Days.
“We had two rooms full of 50 people,” Pickering recalls.
Poos in fact has created a planned gift for Extended Education so that others may take advantage of the opportunities it offers to all learners, from age 4 to 100, at least.
Visit nmc.edu/ees for information on current classes. Visit nmc.edu/give to find out about planned and other giving opportunities.
Listen to an interview Grout did with the International Affairs Forum at NMC, which he formerly chaired, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II.
Mar 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Thursday, March 18, 8–9:30 a.m.
Protecting Our Mental Health
Registration deadline is noon Wednesday, March 17. RSVP here.
Learn more here: gvsu.edu/hfnorthernmich/
The virtual Health Forum of Northern Michigan, a collaboration of Grand Valley State University, Grand Valley Traverse City Regional Center and Northwestern Michigan College, places a special focus on serving rural health needs in Northern Michigan. The Health Forums are offered twice a year, in spring and fall, and are focused on issues related to rural health. The subject of Thursday’s Health Forum is Protecting Our Mental Health.
Mar 15, 2021 | Student News
Good afternoon NMC students,
As you may have noticed from the increase in emails you have received regarding possible COVID-19 exposures, cases of the virus are rising on campus. While NMC has had relatively few cases in total, it’s critical that we all stay safe between now and the end of the semester to keep it that way. Please continue to follow NMC’s safety protocols on campus including:
- wear a mask
- practice social distancing
- limit social gatherings
- follow current MDHHS guidelines regarding size of gatherings and number of households
- do not come to campus or attend any in-person courses if you are sick
- if you must travel, when you return please monitor for symptoms, and consider self-quarantining for up to 10 days.
Most students will not be able to get vaccinated until later this year, so it’s important to stay safe. You have been doing a great job! We only have a little ways to go! With your help we will get there and limit the impact of COVID-19 on our NMC community.
Mar 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
We’re unveiling our new collection of graphic novels and comic books at the library this month, and it’s a perfect opportunity to look at the plethora of women’s contributions and feminist representations within this medium, as well as some critical analysis of the fraught history of gender within comics. Join us, with these recommendations from the library:
Books at the Library
A classic graphic memoir from the legendary Alison Bechdel. Bechdel’s comic strip “The Rule,” from her self-syndicated feminist comic, Dykes to Watch Out For, became well-known for introducing what became known as “The Bechdel Test,” a tongue-in-cheek rule for evaluating representations of women in films and other media. (more…)
Mar 4, 2021 | Student News
Millions of additional college students are now eligible for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a provision in the latest round of federal coronavirus relief aid. Learn more here and read eligibility requirements here.
Mar 2, 2021 | Student News
Are you experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
- New congestion or runny nose that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New cough that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New sore throat that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New fever of 100.4 F (or higher) or sense of having a fever
- New muscle aches that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- New shortness of breath that cannot be attributed to another health condition
- Loss of taste or smell
If so, please call Student Health Services at (231) 995-1255, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Feb 26, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet
This novel follows a group of children and their families on summer vacation at a lakeside mansion. The teenage narrator Eve and the other children are contemptuous of their parents, who spend the days and nights in drunken stupor. Named for a picture Bible given to Eve’s little brother Jack, A Children’s Bible is loosely structured around Bible stories intended for young readers. In A Children’s Bible, Millet offers brilliant commentary on the environment and human weakness. (more…)
Feb 24, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Dr. Nick Nissley (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley has been named a winner of the Paragon award for new presidents by Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society.
Nissley is among 22 recipients out of 500 eligible college presidents, and one of only two in Michigan. Paragon awards are bestowed upon college presidents in the first three years of their tenure who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by students on their campus. Nissley became president of NMC on Jan. 1, 2020.
In the nomination, NMC students commended Nissley for including all students, not just PTK members, in his work to instill a “possibilitarian” culture on campus, even amid the challenges of COVID-19.
“From our first in-person meeting, Dr. Nissley laid a foundation of open communication by sharing his very personal testimony with students.His inclusion of students in events, discussions, and decisions proves to us again and again, he is focused on our success. While we are thrilled with his support, similar support has been shared with other student groups. He is a champion for student success.”
Nissley and other Paragon winners will be recognized at the PTK annual convention, broadcast live from Orlando, Fla., April 8–10. NMC’s chapter, Alpha Rho Pi, will also receive a Reach award at the convention for its membership growth in 2020.
According to PTK, member students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.
Release date: FEBRUARY 24, 2021
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
Feb 24, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Dr. Nick Nissley (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley has been named a winner of the Paragon award for new presidents by Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society.
Nissley is among 22 recipients out of 500 eligible college presidents, and one of only two in Michigan. Paragon awards are bestowed upon college presidents in the first three years of their tenure who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving students at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by students on their campus. Nissley became president of NMC on Jan. 1, 2020.
In the nomination, NMC students commended Nissley for including all students, not just PTK members, in his work to instill a “possibilitarian” culture on campus, even amid the challenges of COVID-19.
“From our first in-person meeting, Dr. Nissley laid a foundation of open communication by sharing his very personal testimony with students.His inclusion of students in events, discussions, and decisions proves to us again and again, he is focused on our success. While we are thrilled with his support, similar support has been shared with other student groups. He is a champion for student success.”
Nissley and other Paragon winners will be recognized at the PTK annual convention, broadcast live from Orlando, Fla., April 8–10. NMC’s chapter, Alpha Rho Pi, will also receive a Reach award at the convention for its membership growth in 2020.
According to PTK, member students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.
Release date: FEBRUARY 24, 2021
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
Feb 23, 2021 | Student News
Students: please remember that Spring Break has been canceled this year and classes will be held Monday, March 29 through Thursday, April 1. Friday, April 2, remains a college holiday with no classes scheduled and the college closed for the day.
Spring semester classes will conclude on Monday, April 26. Instructors may use the rest of the week to meet with their students at the faculty’s discretion. Grade submission deadlines will remain as scheduled.
You can view the complete spring and summer course schedule here and view the Academic Calendar here.
Feb 19, 2021 | Student News
In partnership with Northwest Michigan Works, NMC’s 15th annual Career Fair will be held virtually March 2–4, 2021 from 3–6 p.m. each day.
The Career Fair is a great place to meet employers. Representatives from 70 companies across the region will be in attendance to meet potential employees and increase awareness of their organization. The event is open to students, alumni and community members.
Each day is broken down by industry: March 2nd is Retail, Food Service & Hospitality, March 3rd is Healthcare, Business & Other, March 4th is Construction, Automotive, Technical, Transportation & Manufacturing. Following each event daily, alumni and students can take part in a networking hour from 6–7 p.m. via zoom.
Feb 19, 2021 | Student News
Good morning NMC students,
We hope you’re having a successful semester and staying healthy. Despite the recent cold and snow, we are busy planning ahead for the summer and fall semesters at NMC and want to help you be prepared.
Based on feedback from students, the college will expand its offerings of face-to-face classes. NMC will offer some sections of developmental education courses face-to-face, in addition to hybrid and livestream formats. For the new face-to-face sections, classrooms will be equipped with plexiglass dividers so group work can also be done safely. NMC will also continue to offer select occupational courses and labs face-to-face, as we have since last summer. For all face-to-face classes students must still follow all safety protocols including wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
NMC is also exploring the use of new camera technology to offer hybrid classes in the HyFlex model. In HyFlex, a class is split into two groups that alternate between on-campus and zoom formats to reduce in-person class size.
These adjustments continue NMC’s commitment to keeping our students and employees safe, while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. One of the most important factors in achieving this goal is hearing from you. We recently emailed you a course format survey to better understand how you prefer to learn. The short survey is open until Sunday evening. Please take a few minutes to complete it so we can work to meet your needs. Based on your input and safety guidelines, changes may be made to the schedule. We ask that you monitor your NMC email and the schedule throughout the summer.
The summer and fall schedules are available to help you plan. Registration for summer is open, and fall registration begins March 10th. Our Academic and Career Advising Center team is ready to help you. Watch your NMC email for information about your assigned advisor and to schedule a virtual advising appointment.
Thank you to the NMC faculty and staff on the “Reimagining Committee” for their work in helping address these complex issues and thank you for remaining committed to achieving your goals. We can now see a future beyond the pandemic and we will get there together.
—
NMC Public Relations
Marcus Bennett (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — NMC Associate Dean of Campus and Residence Life Marcus Bennett has received the 2020 Reserve Officer of America Outstanding Family Support Contributor award for his work to support safe operation of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training ship cruises.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
