Mar 21, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
March 21, 2018

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.
Mar 19, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Mar 15, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
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
Mar 14, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
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.
Mar 14, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
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!
Mar 12, 2018 | Student News
Have NMC instructors made a difference in your life? Could “dedicated”, “innovative” and “excellent” be used to describe them? If you are looking for a way to recognize the impact an NMC teacher has had on your learning journey, please consider nominating that teacher for the Faculty Excellence awards. Faculty are truly honored to be nominated for these annual awards.
This is the highest teaching honor awarded at NMC and nominations can only come from students.
Nominations are due by March 23 and can be submitted here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BQ5LDX6
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, recipients are chosen by a student selection committee, and award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.
Mar 9, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for the April 6 Taste of Success, the premier annual fundraiser for students at NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute.
Patrons will enjoy a strolling dinner of international cuisine prepared and served by culinary students along with local wine, craft beer, and spirits. A Taste of Success also includes a silent auction with unique events and items, offering another opportunity to support student scholarships.
The 2017 event raised more than $89,000 for student scholarships. GLCI Director Fred Laughlin said the funds raised by the event, first held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994, are vital to many students.
“The event goes a long way to showcase the talent of our students and providing them with needed funds to continue their education,” he said.
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated study for students planning careers in the rapidly growing food service industry. The program’s main emphasis is to prepare students for entry-level chef and kitchen-management positions. It is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.
Tickets are $100 each. Table sponsorships are also available. Call (231) 995-2021 or buy online at nmc.edu/taste-of-success.
Release date: march 12, 2018
For more information:
Paris Morse
NMC Foundation
pmorse@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2822
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Mar 8, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Student Life in collaboration with NMC Voices will host a Take Back the Night march and rally on Tuesday, April 10.
Take Back the Night is a worldwide movement to support and empower survivors of sexual violence, and to spread community awareness about the prevailing issue. Every 98 seconds, another person experiences sexual assault. The event is free and open to the campus community and general public. Participants will meet at 5:15 p.m. outside of the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lake’s campus to rally and march (march beginning at 5:30 p.m.) through downtown Traverse City and back to the Hagerty Center.
The march will conclude at the Hagerty Center around 6:30 p.m., where participants will gather for music, conversation, and most importantly, the speak out. The speak out gives survivors the opportunity to share their voices and experiences with sexual assault in a safe environment. The speak out is also a place for allies to share positive words of encouragement and support. Professional counselors will be present and available to help maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Mar 7, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Western Michigan University-Traverse City is hosting an information session on the Freshwater Sciences and Sustainability Bachelor’s Degree Program in Traverse City at the NMC Great Lakes Campus, in classroom 111, on Thursday, April 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn more about the Freshwater Science and Sustainability Program and details that this entire program has to offer.
For more information, please contact Kim Stevens at Kim.Stevens@wmich.edu or call (231) 995-1846.
Register online at bit.ly/freshwater-april. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mar 7, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
March 7, 2018
Thirty years ago, newly-named Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce chairman Kevin Schlueter was preparing to graduate from NMC. Now, as he embarks on his latest leadership challenge, he continues to credit the college and hopes to illuminate the sparkle from the “gem that we have in Traverse City” to the Chamber’s 2,000 member businesses.
“Everything that I have, I owe to NMC,” said Schlueter, 49, also the president and CEO of Kalkaska Screw Products. “It’s just flat-out factual.” Here’s how NMC is woven, both professionally and personally, into Schlueter’s life:
- Scholarship – a Presidential scholarship covered the St. Francis High School graduate’s bills. The scholarship required him to keep up his GPA, which in turn meant he was admitted to the competitive Michigan Technological University, where he earned a bachelor’s in engineering in 1992. A master’s at Central Michigan followed in 1998. Neither degree, Schlueter says, would have happened without first graduating from NMC, in 1988.
- Family – Schlueter met his wife Leana when both were students at NMC. They have two children, son Cameron and daughter Lydia.
- Industry – In the eight years he’s led Kalkaska Screw Products, the company has increased employment more than sixfold, from 19 to 125. In his Chamber role now, Schlueter wants to play a liaison role between the manufacturing industry and the economic development and business community to help boost the skill set of potential employees. He sees NMC as well-positioned to do that. “It’s not just a local college that perhaps is affordable. The education is superior,” he said.
In addition to his Chamber leadership, Schlueter also serves on the NMC Foundation Board, the Scholarship Open golf committee, and the Alumni Relations steering committee.
“I’ve got an opportunity to give back, and I like doing that,” he said. “Every time I stretch my comfort zone a little bit, I grow as a human.”
Mar 7, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Join us for a swinging, toe tapping evening Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium. The NMC Jazz Concert will feature these NMC groups: the Jazz Big Band, Jazz Lab Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble performing music from Count Basie to Miles Davis and beyond, and featuring Swing, Latin and Rock styles plus much more, something for everyone.
Mar 7, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
March 7, 2018
Thirty years ago, newly-named Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce chairman Kevin Schlueter was preparing to graduate from NMC. Now, as he embarks on his latest leadership challenge, he continues to credit the college and hopes to illuminate the sparkle from the “gem that we have in Traverse City” to the Chamber’s 2,000 member businesses.
“Everything that I have, I owe to NMC,” said Schlueter, 49, also the president and CEO of Kalkaska Screw Products. “It’s just flat-out factual.” Here’s how NMC is woven, both professionally and personally, into Schlueter’s life:
- Scholarship – a Presidential scholarship covered the St. Francis High School graduate’s bills. The scholarship required him to keep up his GPA, which in turn meant he was admitted to the competitive Michigan Technological University, where he earned a bachelor’s in engineering in 1992. A master’s at Central Michigan followed in 1998. Neither degree, Schlueter says, would have happened without first graduating from NMC, in 1988.
- Family – Schlueter met his wife Leana when both were students at NMC. They have two children, son Cameron and daughter Lydia.
- Industry – In the eight years he’s led Kalkaska Screw Products, the company has increased employment more than sixfold, from 19 to 125. In his Chamber role now, Schlueter wants to play a liaison role between the manufacturing industry and the economic development and business community to help boost the skill set of potential employees. He sees NMC as well-positioned to do that. “It’s not just a local college that perhaps is affordable. The education is superior,” he said.
In addition to his Chamber leadership, Schlueter also serves on the NMC Foundation Board, the Scholarship Open golf committee, and the Alumni Relations steering committee.
“I’ve got an opportunity to give back, and I like doing that,” he said. “Every time I stretch my comfort zone a little bit, I grow as a human.”
Mar 6, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Sexual Assault Awareness Week 2018 will take place the week of April 9-13, 2018.
The week of events is hosted by NMC Student Life and NMC Voices, and includes a showing of a mini-documentary on sexual assault as a global issue, Take Back the Night on Tuesday, a Healthy Relationships workshop on Wednesday and a Self-Defense workshop on Thursday.
For more information please contact Student Life at (231) 995-1118.
Mar 5, 2018 | Student News
The Office of Residence Life is looking for student leaders to be Resident Assistants in the 2018-19 academic year and for Summer 2018. If interested, please apply online at the following link: students.nmc.edu/depts/human-resources/
Information sessions will be held at 7 p.m. on the following dates:
- March 12 – North Hall 2nd Floor Enclave;
- March 13 – East Hall Basement;
- March 14 – Health & Science Building Room 100
Mar 5, 2018 | Student News
Congratulations, 2018 Graduates!
Caps, gowns and tassels are now available in the NMC Bookstore. Stop by to purchase yours today!
Mar 5, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Office of Student Life will host Human Trafficking: Awareness to Action, a free, one-day conference, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 16 in Milliken Auditorium.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m. participants will watch the northern Michigan premiere of the award-winning film “Break the Chain” by Laura Swanson, followed by a panel discussion featuring Swanson; Jane White, founder of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force; Bob Cooney, Grand Traverse Prosecuting Attorney and Elinor Jordan, lead attorney for the Survivor Law Project and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
At noon, a complimentary lunch follows the panel discussion. The afternoon keynote speaker is Jordan at 1 p.m. The conference concludes with coffee and conversation with speakers at 2 p.m. The event is free, but please register by March 12. To register online, go to nmc.edu/student-life and click the link below the film poster in the right-hand box.
Release Date: March 5, 2018
For more information:
NMC Office of Student Life
(231) 995-1118
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 1, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
The library has purchased many new books so far this year. You can view a handful here along with partial descriptions or go here to see the full listing. These books are on display in the library’s lobby.
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Mar 1, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
Recent maintenance issues at the Rajkovich Physical Education Center have been resolved, and the building is open again.