Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates debut at NMC

TRAVERSE CITY — This month, NMC became the first college in Michigan and the fifth in the nation to offer students the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program (JMG), a partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! and Networks Northwest.

Under JMG, NMC students between ages 16–24 are eligible to connect with Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga to match with student mentors in their field, get paid work experience or job shadowing opportunities and internships and other beneficial career opportunities. These services are over and above the resume and cover letter review and interview skills that NMC Career Services already offers.

The program helps set up students for initial career success. Financial assistance with job equipment such as tools or work boots, uniforms, bus passes or gas cards for transportation to work is also available.

JMG participants can also take part in legislative and leadership days with the state and talent tours with local businesses, which help create a sense of belonging to NMC programs and the greater community.

JMG and career resources will also be developed for Moodle, NMC’s online course management system, that students can access for employment assistance.

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates equips young people with the skills to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and in life. It is the leading program of Youth Solutions, Inc., a youth opportunity organization delivering employability and education services to young people across the state.

“We expect that the opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and community created by this program will greatly increase the ability for participating students to successfully earn their college degrees and move on to sustainable careers in their field of interest,” said Kim Bordeau, Manager of Program Success-North, Youth Solutions.

In addition to the new program at NMC, Northwest Michigan Works! coordinates JMG programs at Cadillac’s Mackinaw Trail Middle School, Cadillac Public and Innovation High Schools, CASMAN Academy in Manistee, Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, the North Ed Career-Tech Center, the Wexford-Missaukee Career-Tech Center, and drop out recovery programs in Cadillac, Kalkaska, Manistee and Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan Works! is a state-supported workforce development agency serving job seekers and employers in a 10-county region.

Founded in 1974, Networks Northwest facilitates and manages various programs and services for the 10-county region. These programs include Northwest Michigan Works, Small Business Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, various business services, and many different regional planning initiatives in response to our communities’ requests and needs.

Release date: November 18, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates debut at NMC

TRAVERSE CITY — This month, NMC became the first college in Michigan and the fifth in the nation to offer students the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program (JMG), a partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! and Networks Northwest.

Under JMG, NMC students between ages 16–24 are eligible to connect with Employment Readiness Specialist Lisa Baldyga to match with student mentors in their field, get paid work experience or job shadowing opportunities and internships and other beneficial career opportunities. These services are over and above the resume and cover letter review and interview skills that NMC Career Services already offers.

The program helps set up students for initial career success. Financial assistance with job equipment such as tools or work boots, uniforms, bus passes or gas cards for transportation to work is also available.

JMG participants can also take part in legislative and leadership days with the state and talent tours with local businesses, which help create a sense of belonging to NMC programs and the greater community.

JMG and career resources will also be developed for Moodle, NMC’s online course management system, that students can access for employment assistance.

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates equips young people with the skills to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and in life. It is the leading program of Youth Solutions, Inc., a youth opportunity organization delivering employability and education services to young people across the state.

“We expect that the opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and community created by this program will greatly increase the ability for participating students to successfully earn their college degrees and move on to sustainable careers in their field of interest,” said Kim Bordeau, Manager of Program Success-North, Youth Solutions.

In addition to the new program at NMC, Northwest Michigan Works! coordinates JMG programs at Cadillac’s Mackinaw Trail Middle School, Cadillac Public and Innovation High Schools, CASMAN Academy in Manistee, Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, the North Ed Career-Tech Center, the Wexford-Missaukee Career-Tech Center, and drop out recovery programs in Cadillac, Kalkaska, Manistee and Traverse City.

Northwest Michigan Works! is a state-supported workforce development agency serving job seekers and employers in a 10-county region.

Founded in 1974, Networks Northwest facilitates and manages various programs and services for the 10-county region. These programs include Northwest Michigan Works, Small Business Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, various business services, and many different regional planning initiatives in response to our communities’ requests and needs.

Release date: November 18, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

Andrew Robitshek chosen to fill NMC Trustee vacancy

TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.

Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.

Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.

Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

NMC Voices

NMC Voices graphicNMC’s student group dedicated to sexual assault awareness and advocacy for both survivors and allies will hold our first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in LB207. Beiderman is building #6 on the main campus map; it’s attached to the Health & Science Building.

We will be giving away the self-care gift basket mentioned at Pine Palooza at this meeting.

Reminder: NMC is requiring masks while indoors, if you forget your mask or if you need one, we have extras located at the main entrances of all buildings.

Flu Shots

Rosie the Riveter gets a flu shotHello fellow Hawk Owls! We at Student Health Services wanted to remind you that we do have flu shots available. This time of year it’s especially important to keep yourself healthy so that you can enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Please give us a call at (231) 995-1255 to schedule a flu shot. We do accept walk-ins, however we encourage making an appointment so you don’t have to wait.

The cost is $15/student and $20/staff (if you don’t have NMC insurance). So please give us a call or stop in before Thanksgiving to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.

Andrew Robitshek chosen to fill NMC Trustee vacancy

TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.

Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.

Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.

Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

Andrew Robitshek chosen to fill NMC Trustee vacancy

TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Andrew Robitshek of Traverse City to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. He will serve through the November 2022 election.

Robitshek, 54, cited his love of the community, business knowledge and past board experience as driving his interest in serving on the board. “Now, as a local business owner of Bay Motor Products, I’ve had the opportunity to encourage many others on my team to enroll in classes at NMC and discover how education can change the trajectory of their life. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping others realize their full potential through education and hard work! I hope to make an even bigger impact by working as part of NMC’s Board of Trustees,” Robitshek said in his application materials.

Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Eleven eligible candidates applied to fill the vacancy created by Michael Estes’ resignation October 17, 2021. Per Michigan law, Robitshek will fill the term Estes was elected to in 2016 until the next regular community college election in November 2022.

Release date: NOVEMBER 15, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

Diversity and Inclusion Conference Tickets Are Available To You

To support our organization’s DEI efforts, NMC has acquired 100 tickets to the virtual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference (DIRC) on November 17–19, 2021! The DIRC21 virtual event brings together diversity and inclusion practitioners and researchers to explore the role of D&I research in building a more inclusive and equitable world. You can learn more on their website, DIRC.info.

This opportunity includes workshops, pre-recorded panels and talks, live Q&A sessions, interactive, and networking opportunities. You will join professionals of all backgrounds and be able to explore content and experiences that best serve your interests and level of familiarity with D&I. To accommodate everyone’s schedule, most of the content will also be recorded and made available to registered attendees after the live event dates.

If you are interested in attending, please complete this form and we will register you for the event.

Thank you,
Craig Hadley and Lisa Thomas, DEI Co-chairs

Student Government Association elections

Vote buttonNMC students are encouraged to participate in the NMC Student Government Association (SGA) officer elections for the 2021/2022 academic year.

Voting will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 and will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

In order to vote, go to the student homepage at students.nmc.edu. On the top of the homepage will be a banner prompting students to vote for officer elections!

And don’t forget — voting is open for only 24 hours beginning on Thursday at 1 p.m.!

Please cast your vote, and exercise your student voice as a part of the NMC campus community!

Any questions?  Please contact Lisa Thomas at lthomas@nmc.edu or Paul Kolak at pkolak@nmc.edu.

Public invited to sixth annual Walk for Health & Housing

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Ryan Hannon, street outreach coordinator for Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads the sixth annual walk and will highlight stories both tragic and triumphant at stops along the downtown route. Participants will hear from service providers, police officers and elected officials about their concerns and hopes for the future. This experience is part of an interdisciplinary study of health and housing issues by sociology, social work and communications students and open to the public. It is part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, held the week before Thanksgiving.

The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.

Release date: November 12, 2021

For more information:

Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985

 

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

Public invited to sixth annual Walk for Health & Housing

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students in the Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Ryan Hannon, street outreach coordinator for Goodwill Northern Michigan, leads the sixth annual walk and will highlight stories both tragic and triumphant at stops along the downtown route. Participants will hear from service providers, police officers and elected officials about their concerns and hopes for the future. This experience is part of an interdisciplinary study of health and housing issues by sociology, social work and communications students and open to the public. It is part of National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, held the week before Thanksgiving.

The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.

Release date: November 12, 2021

For more information:

Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985

 

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

IAF & NWS team up for events on Nov. 16 & 18

Ambassador Anthony WayneThe International Affairs Forum remotely welcomes Ambassador Anthony Wayne Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to dissect the border policies, trade, and migration dynamics that shape our relationship with Central America. Wayne is the former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan. He is currently Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer and Distinguished Diplomat in Residence
at the American University School of International Service, as well as Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Co-Chair of its Mexico Institute Advisory Board. The program is presented as a joint event with the National Writers Series.

In-person event at the City Opera House, remote speaker, livestream available:

  • 5 p.m. reception with cash bar
  • 6 p.m. presentation followed by public Q & A

In-person tickets and livestream access: tciaf.com/nov-16-2021
Free to current student and educators

bestselling author Omar El AkkadThen on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., in another joint event with IAF, NWS hosts a conversation with bestselling author Omar El Akkad about his newest book, What Strange Paradise, which looks at the global refugee crisis through the lens of children. As an international journalist, El Akkad has reported from Afghanistan, Guantánamo Bay, and many other locations around the world, and brings his experience to the page in a book that the New York Times says “deserves to be an instant classic.”

Learn more and sign up for the virtual event here

IAF and NWS are proud to partner on these events which will highlight the ways that international stories and circumstances have a local impact, and how global policies impact the lives of real people right here in northern Michigan.

Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies either in person (between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings on NMC’s main campus) or virtually (via Zoom at nmc.zoom.us/j/99338087545) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:

  • Welcome remarks by Kevin D’Alessandro, NMC Enrollment Services
  • Student veteran remarks by Brandon Williams, U.S. Navy veteran and current NMC student
  • Flag raising ceremony presented by the VFW, Post 2780 Honor Guard
    * Star Spangled Banner performed by the Traverse City Central Marching Band
    * Three Volleys/Taps and a rifle salute in honor of the fallen will be performed
  • Closing remarks by Doug Bishop, NMC Trustee

All remarks will be delivered from the flagpole area.

Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.

Release date: November 9, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m.

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies either in person (between the Tanis and Osterlin buildings on NMC’s main campus) or virtually (via Zoom at https://nmc.zoom.us/j/99338087545) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:

  • Welcome remarks by Kevin D’Alessandro, NMC Enrollment Services
  • Student veteran remarks by Brandon Williams, U.S. Navy veteran and current NMC student
  • Flag raising ceremony presented by the VFW, Post 2780 Honor Guard
    * Star Spangled Banner performed by the Traverse City Central Marching Band
    * Three Volleys/Taps and a rifle salute in honor of the fallen will be performed
  • Closing remarks by Doug Bishop, NMC Trustee

All remarks will be delivered from the flagpole area.

Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.

Release date: NOVEMBER 9, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President 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

Thank you to Scott Herzberg

Hawk Owl Helper logoScott Herzberg, NMC’s Military Point of Contact for the college’s military and veteran students since 2012, is leaving the college Tuesday after 25 years of service to the college and its students.

In recognition of his work to increase the services that NMC offers student veterans, Herzberg won a 2015 John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College. He was also a Foundation Excellence Award winner in 2000 and 2016.

Thank you, Scott!