May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College students are leading an effort to fill local food pantries before the holiday season. The business communications students are working with the Northwest Food Coalition (NWFC) for the fifth annual Food for Thought food drive October 18- November 18.
The NWFC identifies 22% percent of families in the five-county region as being food insecure, or lacking reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. The group serves more than 500,000 meals a year to address that need. The Food for Thought Food Drive is a semester long experiential learning project that collects donations on behalf of the coalition, and enhances students’ professional communication skills.
For the first time, students will also collect food for a new NMC Food Bank. NMC staff and students created the pantry after noting an increase in food insecurity among students. The Minus 5 Project identifies that in a class of 40 students, as many as 5 could be food insecure.
Community members can help by donating non-perishable food and personal hygiene items in Food for Thought collection barrels at the following NMC locations October 18- November 18:
- Main Campus: Osterlin Library, West Hall and the Health and Science Building
- Aero Park Campus: Parsons-Stulen Building
- University Center Campus
Tom’s Food Markets will be accepting donations from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., October 21- 22 at its East Bay, West Bay Interlochen and 14th Street locations. The public is invited to bring donations to the S.T.E.M. Exploration Day at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building 11 a.m.–3 p.m., November 18. The community can also make financial donations to support the pantries at any of the events or on the NMC Foundation website.
Anyone who donates at least 5 items or $5 will be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by local businesses.
Release date: October 17, 2017
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Hunter Krecow
Director of Marketing NMC’s Food for Thought
krecowh@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 620-3716
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The public is invited to an open house in the Parsons-Stulen building to celebrate the 50th anniversary of aviation at NMC. Check in at the welcome table for tours. There will be staff on hand for tours and information, and refreshments in room 101.
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan’s first lady, Sue Snyder, will be the keynote speaker at the Northwestern Michigan College Walk, Run, Empower 5K Saturday, September 30.
The event is hosted by the NMC Student Life Office and NMC student group Voices with a goal to raise awareness and help end sexual violence. Snyder”s husband, Gov. Rick Snyder, will join her at the event and participate in the 5K.
Snyder has dedicated herself to the health, safety and overall wellness of Michigan’s women, children and students. She recently became an advocate for campus sexual assault prevention by launching the “Inform. Empower. Prevent. Let’s end campus sexual assault” initiative.
“We cannot tolerate sexual violence on our campuses and owe it to our learners and this community to work to end it. Unfortunately, there can be many barriers to achieving one’s educational goals, but a student’s safety should never be in question. We have invested in systems and programs to help keep our learners safe and are committed to continuing that support as long necessary,” said NMC President Timothy J. Nelson.
Proceeds from the NMC Walk, Run, Empower 5K will benefit NMC Voices for continued advocacy and support for student survivors of sexual violence.
The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. on College Drive of NMC’s Front St. campus. Registration is $15 for students and $20 for all other participants. Credit cards, cash and checks will be accepted on the day of the race. Pre-registration is available online. Day-of registration will be available beginning at 8 a.m. Entry fee also includes a Walk, Run, Empower 5K 2017 race t-shirt.
Participants can enjoy free snacks and refreshments, while connecting with student organizations, campus resources and community collaborators before and after the race. Volunteers, community organizers and campus resources sign up here.
Join NMC and walk, run and empower one another towards a world free of violence.
Release Date: September 8, 2017/UPDATED SEptember 29, 2017
For More Information
NMC Office of Student Life
(231) 995-1118
studentlife@nmc.edu
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — See cool cars and trucks and support students at NMC’s 12th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car and Truck Show.
On Saturday, September 9, car enthusiasts will display their classic cars, 4X4s, dragsters, sports cars, modified late models, motorcycles and more. The show, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be held at NMC’s Automotive Services Building at 2510 Aero Park Drive. Admission is free for spectators. There is a $10 entry fee per vehicle for contestants. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Trophies are awarded for best of show in each class. Enjoy food, music, prizes and a silent auction. Student projects and vehicles will also be on display. Proceeds benefit NMC’s Automotive Program and scholarships.
The show is named for the late NMC Automotive instructor Mike McIntosh, who retired in 2004 after 34 years of service. McIntosh organized the first car show for the Automotive Program in 2004. Learn more here »
Release Date: August 16, 2017
For More Information
Wayne Moody
NMC Automotive Chair
(231) 995-1316
wmoody@nmc.edu
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has been recognized as a Generation Study Abroad (GSA) leader by the Institute of International Education for more than doubling student participation in study abroad experiences in three years.
NMC was one of approximately 30 schools among 800 GSA institutions worldwide to already achieve its commitment to double student participation in study abroad before the end of the decade. The GSA initiative was launched in 2014, when NMC sent 36 students overseas. In 2016 NMC sent 74 students abroad and ranked 12th in the nation among community colleges for short-term study abroad.
“We are honored to be receiving this award and know it would not have been possible without the dedication of participating faculty and financial support from the NMC Foundation,” said Jim Bensley, executive director of International Services and Service Learning, who will accept the award at an IIE conference in Washington, D.C. next week.
Ensuring that learners for success in a global society is one of NMC’s strategic directions. In 2018 NMC expects to send students to study abroad in six destinations, including South Africa, India, Ireland, Costa Rica, Italy and Indonesia.
Release date: September 27, 2017
For more information:
Jim Bensley
International Services and Service Learning
jbensley@nmce.edu
(231) 995-2527
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — International Affairs Forum co-chair Jack Segal will discuss nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear proliferation at Thursday’s IAF lecture, replacing scheduled speaker Alfredo Corchado.
Tuesday’s earthquake in Mexico has forced Corchado, Mexico City bureau chief of The Dallas Morning News, to remain in the country directing coverage of the calamity. The 7.1-magnitude quake has killed at least 217 people and turned portions of the capital city to rubble, including Corchado’s own home. IAF hopes to reschedule Corchado’s talk for later this year.
Segal’s topic is timely given increasing threat from recent North Korean missile tests. He served as National Security Council Director for Nonproliferation during the Clinton administration and is an arms control expert who served on the START talks and was responsible for negotiating U.S. confidence-building measures with the former Soviet Union. He is teaching a sold-out Extended Education class on war against North Korea next week. Another offering of that in-depth class will be announced at the IAF event.
All lectures begin at 6 p.m. and a preceded by a reception in the Dennos Museum Sculpture Court at 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door and free to students and educators.
Release date: september 20, 2017
For more information:
Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
karenpsegal@gmail.com
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — On Saturday, September 30, NMC Student Life, in partnership with the NMC student group Voices, will host Walk, Run, Empower, a 5K Run/Walk to both raise awareness and help end sexual violence. Sexual violence is a prevalent issue both on and off college campuses, and it is extremely important to raise community awareness in order to generate change. Walk, Run, Empower was created with that intention, while also bringing together Northwestern Michigan College and the community in a fun, exciting and active way. All proceeds will benefit NMC Voices to further their advocacy and support for student survivors of sexual violence.
The 5K will start at and end on College Drive; the race begins at 9 a.m. Cash and checks can be made payable to NMC (subject memo: Voices) and will be accepted on the day of the race. Participants can enjoy free snacks and refreshments, while connecting with many of our student organizations, campus resources and community collaborators before and after the race. Registration fee is $15 for students and $20 for faculty, staff, and community members. Entry fee also includes a Walk, Run, Empower 5K race t-shirt!
Please join us as a runner, walker, volunteer or supporter for this 5K benefit race. You can sign up to participate in the race, to be a volunteer, or to have a table, using the links below. We will also have same day registration, which will begin at 8 a.m. the morning of the race.
Join us as we walk, run and empower one another towards a world free of violence.
Release date: July 31, 2017
For more information:
NMC Office of Student Life
(231) 995-1118
studentlife@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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s performance ensembles will offer a full slate of spring concerts during April and May.
Friday, April 21 NMC Concert Band presents “Dance The Night Away” 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 adults, $7 students and seniors. Admission for NMC students with student ID is free.
Saturday, April 22 NMC Jazz Bands and NMC Vocal Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors in advance; $12 & $7 at the door. Admission for NMC students with student ID is free.
Sunday, April 23 NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and NMC Chamber Singers share the stage with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. 3 p.m., Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Arts Academy. Ticket prices vary.
Sunday, April 23 NMC Dance Department presents A Spring Dance Showcase, 7 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $7.
Sunday, April 30 NMC Children’s Choirs 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Tickets $15 adults, $10 for students and seniors.
Saturday May 13 NMC Canticum Novum presents choral music by masters old and new. 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Elk Rapids. Suggested donations of $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, will be taken at the door.
Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 NMC’s Canticum Novum presents a “A Spring Evening of Wine, Sweets and Song.” 7:30 p.m., Dennos Museum Sculpture Court.
Tickets for all events except the May 13 donation concert are available at mynorthtickets.com. Call (800) 836-0717
Release date: april 5, 2017
For more information:
Jeffrey Cobb
NMC Director of Music Programs
jecobb@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1338
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2017 will be held Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Traverse City Central High School gymnasium. First-time highlights of this year’s event include three student veteran graduates walking with their service dogs, and the awarding of NMC’s first bachelor’s degree in marine technology.
Ceremonies will be streamed live starting at 2 p.m. online at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
About 260 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony. More than 700 students earned degrees this academic year including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies, Certificate of Practical Nursing, Certificate of Achievement and the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Technology. NMC will also award a Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology and eight associate degrees in surgical technology, the two newest degrees, for the first time.
Also for the first time, three service dogs will walk in the ceremony.
- Associate of Science and Arts graduate and U.S. Army retiree Andrew Banks, 37, of Traverse City, and his dog Mouse
- ASA graduate and Army veteran Lucas Clark, 27, of Rapid City, and his dog, Bailee Mae
- Associate of Applied Science (visual communications – creative management) graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran Nichole Hartley, 29, of Traverse City, and her dog, Zaia
All three students and dogs’ names will be read aloud, and all three dogs will receive special certificates in addition to the students’ diplomas.
This year’s student speaker is Connor Bebb, president of the NMC Student Government Association. Jim Bensley, adjunct humanities instructor and director of the office of International Services and Service Learning, will give the Commencement address as the 2016 Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award recipient.
The 2017 Outstanding Alumni award recipients will be named during the ceremony, as will the 2017 winners of the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award and Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.
NMC University Center partner Ferris State University will award degrees to about 30 students as well.
A reception will follow the ceremony in the small gym.
Release Date: May 1, 2017
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
FOR VETERANS/SERVICE DOGS:
Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Great Lakes Maritime Academy instructor Capt. Michael Horn received the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Service from the U.S. Maritime Administration on May 6.
Horn, of Rogers City, is a 1976 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, N.Y. Upon graduation he began a 36-year career as a merchant marine officer. He spent 24 years as master of large, ocean-going hopper dredges operated by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. Additionally, Capt. Horn earned First Class Pilotage for the Great Lakes.
In 2012 Horn came ashore and joined the faculty of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College. He also routinely sails as a watch officer on the MARAD-owned training ship State of Michigan. His passion for development of future merchant marine officers and radio technology was a near perfect combination for the needs of the Academy, said GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement is awarded in recognition of merchant mariners who have dedicated years of service, and have made an extraordinary valuable contribution to the U.S. maritime industry. This medal requires the Maritime Administrator’s personal approval. It was presented at the Academy’s graduation dinner by Rand Pixa, MARAD acting chief counsel.
Release Date: May 18, 2017
For more information:
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
(231) 995-1200
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Alpha Rho Pi, Northwestern Michigan College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society, has been named the top chapter in the state of Michigan for the second time since 2012.
The group received the top honor at the regional Phi Theta Kappa conference held in Livonia May 12-14. In addition, NMC student Alexandra (Alex) Briggs was elected to the position of Michigan Regional Secretary/Treasurer for 2017-18. Along with the three other regional board officers, Briggs will be responsible for goal and budget development for the region, help coordinate three Regional Conferences and represent the region at induction ceremonies and other events held on community college campuses around Michigan.
At Phi Theta Kappa’s national conference in Nashville, Tenn., last month, Alpha Rho Pi was also recognized as a Top 100 chapter (out of approximately 1,300 chapters) and as a Distinguished Chapter (among the top 45 internationally) for the combined score on two projects completed during the 2016-17 academic year.
The first, Honors in Action, was created around the topic How the World Works: Global Perspectives, chapter adviser Kari Kahler said. Alpha Rho Pi focused on the theme “Rights and Responsibilities” and researched water both as a right and their responsibility to protect it. In December, they brought five environmental agencies to Milliken Auditorium and hosted a screening of the documentary, “Great Lakes, Bad Lines” as well as engaged the agencies in a panel discussion on Pipeline 5. They also shared a video recorded message from U.S. Senator Gary Peters acknowledging their work and its importance to the region.
For the second, College Project, they helped put a student face on the work of the NMC Foundation, helping students understand how even small donations add up, to consider giving to the Foundation as students and alumni, and writing thank you notes to donors.
Phi Theta Kappa members must have an overall 3.5 GPA, and be enrolled in at least 12 college level credits.
Release Date: May 16, 2017
For more information:
Kari Kahler, Associate Dean
NMC Department of Learning Services
(231) 995-1228 phone
kkahler@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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC alumnus Ross and Brenda Biederman have been named the 2017 recipients of the NMC Fellow award, the highest honor bestowed by Northwestern Michigan College.
The couple has been a philanthropic and business force in northern Michigan for decades, winning the 2013 Distinguished Service Award from the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. Virtually every sector of the community has benefited from their support, including healthcare, arts and culture, and education.
Ross Biederman graduated from NMC in 1959, only a few years after the college was founded by a group including his father, Les. He was named an Outstanding Alumnus in 2010. Under his leadership, Midwestern Broadcasting Co. expanded to include nine radio stations. Ross Biederman also developed the Radio Centre complex, which includes downtown Traverse City’s first parking structure. As the head of the joint Garfield Township-Traverse City Recreational Authority, he helped develop the former state hospital grounds into the thriving residential/retail/commercial destination it is today.
In the words of President Timothy J. Nelson, the Biedermans are an “empowering couple.” Ross and Brenda have continued the Biederman family legacy of philanthropy. They have supported NMC personally and through the namesake family foundation for 30 years. Biederman scholarship funds currently support more than two dozen students annually and have transformed hundreds of lives. Most recently, the Biederman Foundation provided critical support for a simulator for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Ross is currently serving as a member of the NMC Foundation’s Campaign Steering Committee.
Brenda Biederman, a Buckley native, is an equally wholehearted supporter of education in general and NMC in particular. She helped launch the Women’s Resource Center and the Maidens of Michigan and is a past director for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
A fourth generation of Biedermans now has an NMC connection — one granddaughter is currently enrolled in the nursing program.
The NMC Board of Trustees has named Fellows each year since 1964 as a way of recognizing and thanking those individuals who have made special contributions to the college.
Release Date: May 16, 2017
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
Executive Director for Resource Development and NMC Foundation
rteahen@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1855
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Two Northwestern Michigan College alumni were named winners of the annual Outstanding Alumni award at the 2017 commencement ceremonies held May 6.
Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, class of 1987, and Wei Cao, class of 2009, both received the award, bestowed on alumni with significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community.
Elsenheimer is a native of Traverse City. After he earned his associate’s degree at NMC he attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law 
School. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Antrim County before forming the firm of Young, Graham, Elsenheimer & Wendling, P.C., based in Bellaire.
After five years as a trustee on the Bellaire School Board, Elsenheimer was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004. He served for six years, where he was elected Assistant Speaker Pro Tem, Assistant Minority leader, and Minority Leader. He served in Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet as Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA.) In 2017, Elsenheimer was appointed to the 13th Circuit Court bench serving Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
“What a tremendous honor. I know that I was very, very well prepared for a career I never expected, frankly, by my time at NMC, because of the preparation I had from wonderful instructors,” Elsenheimer said in remarks at Commencement. “I am truly humbled.”
Since earning her degree, Wei has returned to her native China, where she lives in Beijing. There she serves as a major asset to NMC as the college has embarked on its strategic effort to expand international engagement and recruit international students over the last several years.
Currently an entrepreneur and consultant, Wei has served as a liaison with Chinese institutions on multiple NMC visits. She has been a link to Chinese art galleries for the Dennos, and to institutions like the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute, with whom NMC has a formal partnership and where NMC instructors will begin teaching in June. Dennos Museum Center director Gene Jenneman presented Wei with her award on a trip to China in April.
“I am greatly honored to have received this award,” she said. “I would like to thank NMC for all the guidance provided throughout these years even after graduation. I sincerely wish the best for NMC and I will keep sharing my experiences with China!”
NMC established the Outstanding Alumni award in 1988. It is the highest award NMC presents to an alumnus.
Release Date: May 11, 2017
For more information:
Betsy Coffia
Director of Alumni Relations
bcoffia@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will host the second annual IT Academy Olympics from 9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Friday, May 5 in the Parsons-Stulen Building on the Aero Park Campus.
About 80 students from the TBAISD Information Technology and Web & Game Programming programs will spend the day engaging in competitions created by NMC’s Computer Information Technology department, including network design, security, robot programming, and web design. Local IT industry representatives will judge the competition and sponsor prizes.
“This is a great opportunity for ISD Career Tech students to show off their skills and for employers to see the next crop of IT gurus raised right here in TC,” said NMC CIT instructor Keith Weber.
Release date: april 17, 2017
For more information:
Keith Weber
CIT instructor
kweber@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1908
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — A nursing and a culinary instructor were named the 2017 winners of NMC’s annual Faculty Excellence awards at commencement ceremonies May 6.
Nursing instructor Mac Beeker is the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Culinary instructor Robert George is the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award winner. Chosen by a student selection committee, criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.
Beeker began his career at NMC in 2015. He is also an NMC alumnus, graduating from the nursing program in 2010. In their nominations students said:
- “Every day after class I walk away knowing more than I ever thought I would.”
- “The instructor is truly a passionate teacher, who cares how each and every one of the students are doing, and wants all of them to succeed.”
- “This instructor is number one in my book. I have never had a more dedicated teacher.”
Read more about Mac Beeker here.
George began his career at NMC in 2006. In their nominations, students said:
- “I cannot say enough about how fortunate I feel to be in a class with this instructor. This is hard stuff to teach, yet this instructor does so cheerfully and seriously, and always with respect and 100 percent effort.”
- “By making the effort to have a personal connection to each and every student, the instructor helps everyone to feel calm and competent in a fairly stressful environment.”
- “The teacher also has many methods of teaching styles that help us learn the overwhelming amount of material.”
Both winners, coincidentally, are married to NMC employees. Beeker’s wife Mary Beeker is an NMC librarian. George’s wife Judy Chu is a communications faculty member.
The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.
Release Date: May 12, 2017
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations and Marketing
(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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — A 2011 Northwestern Michigan College aviation alumnus has been named the youngest chief pilot in company history by Envoy Air and now leads the airline’s operations at a major air traffic hub.
In late December Ryan Ferris, 26, was named chief pilot of Envoy’s New York base at LaGuardia Airport, the nation’s twentieth busiest airport. He will supervise the 150 Envoy captains and first officers based at LaGuardia as well as coordinate with multiple other departments, including ground handling, passenger service, Transportation Security Administration and air traffic control to ensure a safe and reliable operation for the passengers.
Alex Bloye, director of NMC’s Aviation division, said Ferris’ accomplishment at his age is significant. In addition to becoming Envoy’s youngest chief pilot, he is one of the few to ascend to that role without first being a captain.
“Usually chief pilot positions with airlines are reserved for folks with decades of experience. They are the base leader, and are ultimately responsible for the safety and regulatory compliance of thousands of passenger flights, and hundreds of pilots and crew members,” Bloye said.
Prior to his new role, Ferris spent three years flying as a first officer for Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines. He was also a flight instructor at NMC for two and a half years.
“Northwestern Michigan College did an outstanding job preparing me for the responsibilities of this position,” said Ferris, originally from Portage, Mich. “The flight school provided me with the knowledge and skills to handle the stresses of being an airline pilot, while NMC’s critical-thinking based curriculum helped me develop into a well-rounded manager.”
Envoy Air Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group and operates nearly 180 aircraft on about 900 daily flights to more than 150 destinations. Headquartered in Texas, Envoy was formerly known as American Eagle.
As American Eagle, NMC in 2014 signed a pipeline agreement with the company that gives aviation students early access to interviews, employment and a signing bonus.
Release date: january 9, 2017
For more information:
Ryan Ferris
Envoy Air
ryan.ferris@aa.com
(269) 598-4615
Alex Bloye
NMC Aviation
abloye@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2929
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Aviation recruiter Al Laursen and computer information technology instructor John Velis have been named NMC’s recipients of annual excellence awards.
Both are 2016-17 recipients of the NISOD award for teaching excellence. Affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin, NISOD is committed to promoting and
celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges. Criteria include professionalism, relationships with students and colleagues, and commitment to learning
“I consider myself lucky to have stumbled into the best job at NMC, where I get to be immersed in a field I love without having to be away from home all the time,” said Laursen, a former pilot, pictured right. “I’m fortunate to have bosses who support me with the resources and autonomy I need to do my job and to be part of a great team of aviation professionals who support me, each other, and our students. I appreciate the recognition and look forward to my continued work in the NMC community.”
“Education has been a passion for me for most of my life,” said Velis, pictured left. “It has brought me great satisfaction, along with many challenges along the way. Being recognized by my peers with a NISOD Excellence Award is humbling as I know I could not do what I do without the support of the many professionals that surround me daily.”
Laursen joined NMC in 2011 and Velis in 2013. Both will receive their awards in at the annual NISOD conference in May.
Read more about aviation and computer information technology at NMC.
Release date: January 25, 2017
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
NMC community:
One of the greatest characteristics of NMC and our community of learners is the foundational values and beliefs upon which we rely. Among those are beliefs that we must prepare our learners to be successful in a global economy and society, that we value all people, that we will seek others who share these thoughts and collaborate with them to improve learning and understanding.
Since I became president of NMC in 2001 I have remained dedicated to the belief that our students must have access to international experiences. This belief is such an integral part of who we are, and what we do, that it is written into our Strategic Directions. I personally believe so strongly in the importance of a global experience that my wife Nancy and I established the Global Opportunities Fund. With support from many others, that fund has awarded more than $100,000 to over 200 of our learners allowing them to experience our world first hand. Additionally, the NMC Board adopted a strategic goal to have 5% of our students be international, thus enriching our capacities to share those experiences and to understand the values we each have.
The uncertainty caused by the recent executive order signed by the President of the United States on Friday does not change those values nor my belief in them. I want you each to know the following:
- NMC is committed to preparing our students for success in a global society and economy.
- NMC values all people.
- NMC expects people to operate in a civil manner and work to build collaborative relationships.
- NMC values the importance of people with ideas that differ from our own and encourages open dialogue and discussion to achieve learning.
As a point of information, NMC currently has no students from the countries listed in the executive order. We always have and will protect and support students, faculty, staff and members of the community and work with them within the context of applicable laws.
What this executive order actually means and how it will be applied over the next 90 days is still unfolding. As things become clearer, I will continue to communicate with you on what it means for our community. It is my promise to you that NMC will continue to value all people and work to connect our learners with the world. I ask you to make the same commitment for the good of our community.
Thank you.
Tim
Timothy J. Nelson, President
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
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
