Success Story: Harbor improvements, fuel funds on deck

April 11, 2018

T/S State of MichiganWhen your summer trip requires putting 98,000 gallons in the tank, you pay attention to fuel prices.

NMC’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy recently learned that it can expect full reimbursement of an estimated $196,000 fuel bill for the T/S State of Michigan’s upcoming spring cruise. The reimbursement is part of the 2018 omnibus spending bill approved by Congress last month.

In addition to the fuel reimbursement, GLMA received $1 million, double its 2017 funding, which will enable NMC to improve the ship’s docking area by installing mooring bollards and mooring fenders. Work will take place between May and August, while the ship is out of the harbor on its annual training cruise.

Rear Adm. Jerry Achenbach“The federal funds are crucial to the Academy and key to our being able to ensure the program maintains U.S. Coast Guard approval,” said GLMA superintendent Rear Adm. Jerry Achenbach.

“While these funds will primarily be used to upgrade the moorings at the harbor, over the past several years we have used federal funds to substantially upgrade our deck and engine simulators and upgrade the equipment in the vessel’s galley,” Achenbach said. “The omnibus spending bill also includes funds that ensure Academy cadets who volunteer to serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation will continue to receive an annual stipend of $8,000.”

NMC is grateful to its congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and Congressman Jack Bergman, for their continued support of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in securing these funds.

GLMA is hosting an open house/ship tour from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. Maritime cadets will host free tours open to the public. NMC offers a bachelor’s degree in maritime technology, the first community college bachelor’s degree available in the state. Find out more about the Academy at nmc.edu/maritime.

Let’s all do the Barbecue!

TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets for the annual NMC Barbecue, set for May 20 on main campus, are now on sale online and around the community. Volunteers are also being sought to help put on the picnic under the pines, a spring tradition marking its 63rd year.

Advance tickets are $6 and available online now at nmc.edu/bbq and mynorthtickets.com/events/nmc-bbq-2018. There is a $1.25/ticket service fee for online sales. Pre-sale tickets will also be available at all Oleson’s Food Stores, NMC, and many financial institutions. Tickets are $8 on Barbecue Day.

The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fund raiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate all the food. Several thousand people attend every year, raising more than $1.8 million for college programs and equipment over the years.

College employees submit project proposals for program and equipment needs. A subcommittee reviews the proposals and makes recommendations to the Barbecue Board, a group of NMC employees and community volunteers. This year’s projects will share $13,000 in Barbecue funds.

  • NMC Scholarship Open- $5,000
  • Media Center for the Smith Wing of Inuit Art- $3,000
  • Hawk owl mascot costume- $2,000
  • Neutr-Owl (carbon neutral education booth for NMC BBQ)- $1,000
  • NMC food pantry freezer and food for fall semester- $2,400

Volunteers are also needed to put on the event. Volunteer slots are typically two to three hours long. Sign up online or go to nmc.edu/bbq and click “Volunteer at the BBQ.”

In addition to the traditional menu of buffalo steakettes or hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and beverage and ice cream served from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on May 20 , free live entertainment is provided throughout the day. Classroom displays and program exhibits offer the public a chance to see what’s going on at NMC. Children’s games and activities will also be provided. The Barbecue will once again strive toward zero-waste, with composting and recycling services available.

Release date: April 12, 2018

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing & 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

Spring dance, musical performances set

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s music and dance ensembles will present the following performances this month:

  • Sunday, April 15 NMC Dance Department Concert 7 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets  $12, $7 students and seniors. MyNorthTickets.com, at the door, or call (800) 836-0717.
  • Sunday, April 22 NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and NMC Chamber Singers share the stage with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Baroque music. 3 p.m., Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Arts Academy. MyNorthTickets.com. Info: TSO, (231) 947-7120.
  • Friday, April 27 NMC Concert Band, 7:30 p.m.,  Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 adults, $7 students and seniors. Admission for NMC students with student ID is free. MyNorthTickets.com or at the door. (231) 995-1553.
  • Saturday, April 28 Spring Jazz Ensemble Showcase, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 adults, $7 students and seniors. Admission for NMC students with student ID is free. MyNorthTickets.com or at the door. (231) 995-1553.
  • Sunday, April 29  NMC Children’s Choirs 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Tickets $15 adults, $10 for students and seniors, available through MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717. 

Release date: april 11, 2018

For more information:

Jeff Cobb
NMC Director of Music Programs
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@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

Commencement and Honors Convocation

Save the dates!

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend these two important events recognizing our outstanding students and graduates!

Honors Convocation will take place Friday, May 4 with the reception starting at the Dennos Museum’s Sculpture Court at 4:45 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at the Milliken Auditorium at 5:30 p.m.

Commencement will be held Saturday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at Traverse City Central High School. The public is invited to attend, or can watch the ceremony streamed online here.

Hope to see you there!

Play Softball!

Men, women, full and part-time staff, faculty, and students are all encouraged to join NMC Softball. We are putting together a co-ed softball team to play on Sundays (afternoons or evenings) this summer (May-Labor Day) at the Civic Center. 

The YMCA league we are playing in is recreational: winning is nice, but having fun is imperative. If you have any interest or know anyone NMC affiliated who might be (full or part-time staff, faculty, student) please let us know.

Contact either Eric Hines (ehines@nmc.edu) or Neil Streeter (nstreeter@nmc.edu). There is a cost for team registration which we will be dividing up among the team members (we anticipate a fee of less than $50 for a full season of play).

Please let us know of any interest as soon as you can!

$1.2 million in federal funds headed to Maritime Academy

TRAVERSE CITY — Substantially increased federal funding for Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) will allow NMC to upgrade the Great Lakes campus harbor this summer, as well as recapture nearly $200,000 in fuel costs for the training ship State of Michigan.

The 2018 omnibus spending bill approved by Congress last month included $1 million for the Academy, double the funds GLMA received in 2017, said superintendent Rear Adm. Jerry Achenbach. The money will enable NMC to improve the ship’s docking area by installing mooring bollards and mooring fenders. Bids for the work are due next week. Work will take place between May and August, while the ship is out of the harbor on its annual summer training cruise.

In addition, Achenbach said GLMA expects to be reimbursed for all fuel costs incurred on the upcoming cruise. He estimated the State of Michigan would use 98,000 gallons of diesel priced at about $2 per gallon, resulting in federal reimbursement of $196,000.

“The federal funds are crucial to the Academy and key to our being able to ensure the program at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy maintains U.S. Coast Guard approval,” Achenbach said. “While these funds will primarily be used to upgrade the moorings at the harbor, over the past several years we have used federal funds to substantially upgrade our deck and engine simulators and upgrade the equipment in the vessel’s galley. The omnibus spending bill also includes funds that ensure Academy cadets who volunteer to serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation will continue to receive an annual stipend of $8,000.”

NMC is grateful to its congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and Congressman Jack Bergman, for their continued support of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in securing these funds.

GLMA is hosting an open house/ship tour from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. Maritime cadets will host free tours open to the public. NMC offers a bachelor’s degree in maritime technology, the first community college bachelor’s degree available in the state. Find out more about the Academy at nmc.edu/maritime.

Release Date: April 9, 2018

For more information:

Rear Adm. Jerry Achenbach
GLMA Superintendent
(231) 995-1200
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

NMC magazine, Nexus, wins gold

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s newest publication, Nexus, has been named the top community college magazine by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations.

Produced by NMC’s Public Relations, Marketing & Communications department, Nexus received the 2017 gold Paragon award from NCMPR at its annual conference in Las Vegas in March. The magazine was commended for its strong NMC success stories shared with a broad audience in a compelling visual presentation. In its print magazine category, NMC bested Randolph Community College in Asheboro, N.C. (silver) and Red Deer College in Alberta, Canada (bronze).

Nexus took the top award in its debut year. In 2017 the college introduced the 32-page magazine to update and replace an eight-page newsletter. It is created in partnership with Traverse City-based MyNorth Media. NMC provides editorial content while MyNorth designs and prints the publication. It mails to about 27,000 college alumni, donors, volunteers and other constituents in January and June.

Awards were made in 53 different categories. NMC’s print, video and special event work has previously been honored by NCMPR at both regional and national levels. NCMPR is the exclusive professional development organization for marketing and public relations staff at community and technical colleges. An affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,550 members at more than 650 colleges in the U.S., Canada and other countries.

Release date: April 6, 2018

For more information:

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

Long Night Against Procrastination

NMC’s biannual Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) is returning to the Osterlin Library!

On Thursday, April 19, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. the Writing & Reading Center, Tutoring, Advising, Student Success, and NMC librarians will be staying up very, very LATE to help students crush their final papers and exams.

Free pizza at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., a finals-themed “meme cake,” free snacks (including Grand Traverse Pie Company pie) and coffee until 2 a.m. and lots of raffle prizes!

Have You Applied to Graduate?

If you are completing a degree/certificate this Spring or Summer semester, please complete a Graduation Application form and turn it into the Records Office as soon as possible!

If you are planning to attend Commencement on May 5, we need this form no later than April 16. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Wilmeth at lwilmeth@nmc.edu or 995-1048.

Success Story: Culinary grad turns down the heat

March 21, 2018

Susan Patterson

After graduating from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and working in three of Traverse City’s top restaurants, chef Susan Patterson knew her way around a kitchen.

But the one she picked to launch her career doesn’t have any ovens, traditional stoves or microwave. In fact there’s only one heat source at Press On Juice – a single induction burner where Patterson concocts soups and quinoa. They’re virtually the only cooked items on the menu at the 95-percent raw food establishment, unique in Traverse City’s ever-expanding restaurant scene.

Owner Kris Rockwood said Patterson, 24, has played a key role in helping Press On flourish in that niche, taking the business from primarily a take-out juice and smoothie operation to a full-fledged café offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. The café side of Press On Juice, 1125 E. Eighth St., opened in December and seats about 30.

“Susan really owned it,” Rockwood said. “The skill set she has that she came with from the college, I wouldn’t know those small, minute things that make a serious difference.”

Things like how to make walnut taco meat live up to the expectation of taco lovers.

“Raw food is so unique. It needs to be excellent. It needs to be off-the-charts good,” Patterson said.

Patterson views the “steep learning curve” as a challenge, however. She did an internship at Press On Juice last summer, and became convinced it was the place to begin her career.

“We’re trying to help people live happier and healthier lives,” Patterson said, of the restaurant’s mission. For her, that translates to “a lot of research and development, which is a fancy way of saying tasting a lot of food, my favorite part.”

She also prides herself on her efficiency. Time management and organization are major factors in keeping any kitchen running smoothly, and it’s even more true at Press On Juice, where Patterson’s imposed a short shelf life for many items in order to keep quality high.

“The culinary school really helped me build confidence in my abilities,” Patterson said.

She thinks there’s room in the curriculum for one more course, however.

“I think it would be fun down the road to see the culinary school offer an extra class on raw food and these techniques,” she said.

Press on Juice juices are also expected to be on the menu at Café Lobdell’s when it opens June 18 as a morning bakery/café operation.

Success Story: Culinary grad turns down the heat

March 21, 2018

Susan Patterson

After graduating from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and working in three of Traverse City’s top restaurants, chef Susan Patterson knew her way around a kitchen.

But the one she picked to launch her career doesn’t have any ovens, traditional stoves or microwave. In fact there’s only one heat source at Press On Juice – a single induction burner where Patterson concocts soups and quinoa. They’re virtually the only cooked items on the menu at the 95-percent raw food establishment, unique in Traverse City’s ever-expanding restaurant scene.

Owner Kris Rockwood said Patterson, 24, has played a key role in helping Press On flourish in that niche, taking the business from primarily a take-out juice and smoothie operation to a full-fledged café offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. The café side of Press On Juice, 1125 E. Eighth St., opened in December and seats about 30.

“Susan really owned it,” Rockwood said. “The skill set she has that she came with from the college, I wouldn’t know those small, minute things that make a serious difference.”

Things like how to make walnut taco meat live up to the expectation of taco lovers.

“Raw food is so unique. It needs to be excellent. It needs to be off-the-charts good,” Patterson said.

Patterson views the “steep learning curve” as a challenge, however. She did an internship at Press On Juice last summer, and became convinced it was the place to begin her career.

“We’re trying to help people live happier and healthier lives,” Patterson said, of the restaurant’s mission. For her, that translates to “a lot of research and development, which is a fancy way of saying tasting a lot of food, my favorite part.”

She also prides herself on her efficiency. Time management and organization are major factors in keeping any kitchen running smoothly, and it’s even more true at Press On Juice, where Patterson’s imposed a short shelf life for many items in order to keep quality high.

“The culinary school really helped me build confidence in my abilities,” Patterson said.

She thinks there’s room in the curriculum for one more course, however.

“I think it would be fun down the road to see the culinary school offer an extra class on raw food and these techniques,” she said.

Press on Juice juices are also expected to be on the menu at Café Lobdell’s when it opens June 18 as a morning bakery/café operation.

GVSU Healthcare Programs Showcase April 21

The healthcare industry is filled with endless opportunities when choosing a career path. Grand Valley State University has proudly partnered with Northwestern Michigan College to showcase programs available in Traverse City that will lead you to your dream job in healthcare.

From 10 a.m. – noon in NMC’s Health & Science building, individuals will have the opportunity to meet local practitioners, advisors and faculty that work in specialized health fields from physicians to physical therapists and many more. Onsite academic advising, as well as financial aid information will be available. Join us April 21 to learn how you can become a part of the largest growing career field in Traverse City!

More information can be found at our website here

Success Story: Culinary grad turns down the heat

March 21, 2018

Susan Patterson

After graduating from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and working in three of Traverse City’s top restaurants, chef Susan Patterson knew her way around a kitchen.

But the one she picked to launch her career doesn’t have any ovens, traditional stoves or microwave. In fact there’s only one heat source at Press On Juice – a single induction burner where Patterson concocts soups and quinoa. They’re virtually the only cooked items on the menu at the 95-percent raw food establishment, unique in Traverse City’s ever-expanding restaurant scene.

Owner Kris Rockwood said Patterson, 24, has played a key role in helping Press On flourish in that niche, taking the business from primarily a take-out juice and smoothie operation to a full-fledged café offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. The café side of Press On Juice, 1125 E. Eighth St., opened in December and seats about 30.

“Susan really owned it,” Rockwood said. “The skill set she has that she came with from the college, I wouldn’t know those small, minute things that make a serious difference.”

Things like how to make walnut taco meat live up to the expectation of taco lovers.

“Raw food is so unique. It needs to be excellent. It needs to be off-the-charts good,” Patterson said.

Patterson views the “steep learning curve” as a challenge, however. She did an internship at Press On Juice last summer, and became convinced it was the place to begin her career.

“We’re trying to help people live happier and healthier lives,” Patterson said, of the restaurant’s mission. For her, that translates to “a lot of research and development, which is a fancy way of saying tasting a lot of food, my favorite part.”

She also prides herself on her efficiency. Time management and organization are major factors in keeping any kitchen running smoothly, and it’s even more true at Press On Juice, where Patterson’s imposed a short shelf life for many items in order to keep quality high.

“The culinary school really helped me build confidence in my abilities,” Patterson said.

She thinks there’s room in the curriculum for one more course, however.

“I think it would be fun down the road to see the culinary school offer an extra class on raw food and these techniques,” she said.

Press on Juice juices are also expected to be on the menu at Café Lobdell’s when it opens June 18 as a morning bakery/café operation.

NMC Fitness Center Repairs

The NMC Fitness Center would like students and employees to be aware that this week some minor drywall repair and painting will take place in the fitness center. Sorry for any inconveniences this may cause.

NMC student is top Michigan community college scholar

TRAVERSE CITY — Alexandra Briggs, a liberal arts student at Northwestern Michigan College, has been named Michigan’s 2018 New Century Scholar, the top community college student in the state.

Briggs, 21, of Elk Rapids, will graduate this spring with a degree in liberal arts. She will receive a $2,250 scholarship to continue her education in leadership studies. She is NMC’s sixth New Century Scholar since 2004.

Briggs is president of NMC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society, a resident adviser in North Hall and also works on campus in the advising office. She is a NMC Commitment Scholar, one of a cohort of promising, mostly first-generation college students awarded full NMC scholarships while in high school.

“I found such a sense of community here,” said Briggs, a 2015 graduate of Elk Rapids High School. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made, going to NMC.”

She is considering moving to Texas and completing her bachelor’s degree online

“I kind of want to spread my wings and see what opportunities I can make for myself,” said Briggs, who switched from computer information technology to liberal arts while at NMC. “I’m really excited to see where it goes from here.”

Briggs was recognized this week at the All-Michigan Academic Team event in Lansing. She will also be recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s convention in Kansas City in mid-April, and she has been invited to be recognized at the American Association of Community Colleges conference April 28 in Dallas, Texas.

The New Century Scholars Program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and recognizes outstanding community college students. More than 2,000 students were nominated, two from each community college in the U.S. NMC’s second nominee, Shelby Christensen, was named a bronze scholar and receives a $1,000 scholarship. She completed her NMC courses in December and is now enrolled at the University of Michigan.

Previous NMC New Century Scholar winners are Roxanne Scrivener, 2016; Kathy Tahtinen, 2015; Jessica Abfalter, 2013; Nicholeen Frusti, 2005 and Sally Beemon, 2004

Release date: March 16, 2018

For more information:

Kari Kahler
Dean of Learning Services/PTK Adviser
kkahler@nmc.edu
(
231) 995-1228

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 Dance Department presents Imagine Dance

The Dance Department of Northwestern Michigan College will present a concert of dance entitled Imagine Dance at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 in the Milliken Auditorium of the Dennos Museum Center on NMC’s main campus.The concert, directed by Dorothy Eisenstein, will feature choreography and performances by NMC faculty and students. Modern dance, improvisation, hip hop, and partner dance will be presented through solo and ensemble forms. 

Tickets for Imagine Dance are $12 for adults, and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets are available from MyNorthTickets.com or at the door. Call (800) 836-0717 for more information.

GeoCache for College

NMC is participating in GeoCache for College Cash on April 12, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting in the Health & Science Building Lobby. GeoCache for College is a Scavenger Hunt to 7 different locations on campus to answer a Financial Literacy question. The Scavenger Hunt will only take about 25 minutes to complete so you may begin at any time before 1:45 p.m.

Why should you participate?

For a wide variety of prizes of course! The Federal Reserve will be offering a $1,500 statewide prize/scholarship. NMC will be offering a variety of prizes ($25 and $10 gift cards). Also enjoy the snack station at the end!

If you have any questions please contact Student Financial Services at 231-995-1035.
We look forward to seeing you there!