Extended Education receives international award for lifelong learning

Congratulations to Extended Education & Training, which recently won an international award in lifelong learning from the Learning Resources Network (LERN) for measuring and documenting the financial contribution of extended education students to NMC as $2.6 million since 2020. LERN is  the leading association in continuing education and workforce development. The award was only one of ten presented at LERN’s annual conference, attended by 1,500 professionals in lifelong learning from four countries. Watch a 2-minute video detailing the award.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Art and craft night

NMC art and craft nightCampus Life, Student Life, Residence Life and Craft Club will be hosting a craft night for all NMC employees, students and their families from 3:30–6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3 at the open space in the Osterlin Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus (#3 on the campus map). Whether you like knitting, sand art, etc., there will something fun for everyone. The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.

Save the date: Campus Day is May 9

Did You Hear? Campus Day is returning in 2025! 

Campus Day is a community event put on by NMC Extended Education & Training that is geared toward a 50+ audience where community members experience a variety of learning opportunities. Previous sessions ranged from “Climate Change in the Great Lakes” to “Life Changing Foods” to “Never Get a Computer Virus Again.”

Campus Day will be held on Friday, May 9. Registration fee (coming soon) includes coffee and donuts, three sessions and lunch. 

Here’s a sneak peek of the tentative schedule:

    • 8:30–9:30: Coffee & Connection at Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
    • 9:30–10:45: Session 1
    • 11:15–12:30: Session 2
    • 12:30–1:30: Lunch
    • 1:30–2:45: Session 3

Add To Your Google Calendar

Sessions will be available for preview on April 2, and full details will be included in the Extended Education & Training summer catalog. Online, phone, in-person and mail-in registration options will be available beginning on April 9. The Extended Education & Training office is open to the public Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NMC University Center.

We can’t wait to bring back this community favorite event; stay tuned for additional information!

Media mentions for February 17, 2025

The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.

Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.

Education newsmakers
Record-Eagle, Feb. 16
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NMC Music department winter and spring events

NMC Children’s Choirs Winter Concert

February 23, 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium, 301 Seventh St., Traverse City
NMC Children’s Choirs, Ashley Larimer-Kelly, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Joanna Aldridge, and Jamie Moreland – Directors
Join us for a wonderful afternoon of choral music featuring the NMC Children’s Choirs.
Purchase tickets

JAZZ 4 ALL! The Jeff Haas Trio featuring Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive

February 27, 6 p.m., The Alluvion, 414 E Eighth St., Traverse City
NMC Jazz Big Band with the Jeff Haas Trio, Josh Wagner – Director
Honor cover at the door.
Read more
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Board of Trustees Audit Committee to meet Feb. 18

TRAVERSE CITY — The Audit Committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

 

Release date: February 14, 2025

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab intro night

GVSU Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur labJoin Grand Valley State University at 6 p.m. on March 10 for the kickoff of the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab to learn about the program, ask questions and see how the MVE-Lab can support your entrepreneurial journey. The event will be held at GVSU’s Traverse City campus in room 07 (lower level) of the University Center. 

The MVE-Lab is an accelerator for veterans and military-connected families, offering hands-on startup education, weekly guest speakers and mentoring sessions focused on pitch development and business growth. Participants will compete for a share of $15,000 in prize funding. The program will run from 6-9 p..m on Mondays from March 10 through May 19.

For more info vist gvsu.edu/mve

Extended Education Opportunities

Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes for you and your dependents? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner, parent or friend. Check out these upcoming classes!

 

ES fitness opportunitiesCOOK THE RAINBOW (AGES 8+)

Ignite your culinary creativity with a splash of color! In this hands-on cooking class, budding chefs will master essential kitchen techniques like chopping, mashing, and mixing while crafting delicious quesadillas, guacamole, and salsa. Ages 8 and up.

Saturday, March 1; 1-4 p.m.

Tuition Waiver Price: $34 per person (public price $99)

 

Instant piano class logoDIY BATH PRODUCTS

Create soothing and invigorating bath products using natural ingredients. Make your own bath salts or sugar scrub. Experiment with essential oils and fragrances to personalize your creations. Discover the benefits of aromatherapy for relaxation and allow them to carry you away. All materials provided.

Saturday, March 15; 9 a.m.–Noon

Tuition Waiver Price: $42 per person (public price $99)

 

Date night Banh Mi photoDate Night: The Art of Banh Mi (one seat left!)

Explore the flavors and aromas of Banh Mi, an iconic Vietnamese street food. Learn all about the cold cuts, pickles, sauces, and the crispy baguettes of this famous sandwich. Then, work with your partner to assemble sandwiches for yourselves and enjoy!

Wednesday, March 12; 6–9 p.m.

Tuition Waiver Price: $46 for two people (public price $199)

On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for Feb. 17–21

Hawk Owl Cafe logoThe Hawk Owl Café serves specials from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.

Menu

Monday, FEB. 17

Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts

Italian Pasta Bake (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts

Tuesday, FEB. 18

Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans

Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans

Wednesday, FEB. 19

Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread

Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread

Thursday, FEB. 20 – FOOD FOR THE SOUL BUFFET

Fried Chicken
Rib Tips
Blackened Tofu (V)
Fried Okra
Collard Greens with Ham
Collard Greens (V)
Cornbread
Banana Pudding
Peach Cobbler 
Sweet Tea
Lemonade

Friday, FEB. 21

HOC Smashburger with bacon, cheese, and onion straws served with asparagus & sweet potato fries

Impossible Burger on Brioche (V) with cheese and onion straws with asparagus & sweet potato fries

 

Pause & Prioritize—Take a moment for self-care today!

Self-Care Tips

(Click to enlarge)

Self-care can often feel like a buzzword that is tossed around but it is an important practice that can help improve your mental and physical health. Check out the latest newsletter from our Employee Assistance Program, Ulliance, for helpful tips on prioritizing self care and how to find time for yourself. Self care doesn’t have to be a large commitment. Check out some ideas that only take a few minutes a day. Find that time to treat yourself

Understanding Generational Differences lunch & learn

Back by popular demand! Don’t miss this professional development opportunity!

Join fellow NMC colleagues to enjoy lunch and learn at this live session on understanding generational differences. Katie Sommer-Ford and Bridget Munroe will lead this session as attendees explore the unique characteristics and perspectives of each generation in an effort to better understand those around us. We will not only look at the historical, social and communicative context but also discuss how this can help us work together better and better serve our students.

Friday, March 7, 2025
12:30–2 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 0203-0205

Please RSVP by enrolling in this course in NEOED Training. We hope to see you there! 

 

For questions, please contact lhodek@nmc.edu.

 

    Center for Instructional Excellence

Kudos!

Kudos to Embrace the Dream reading buddies! Here’s a shout-out to the students, staff and faculty who volunteered for one or more of the Embrace the Dream reading events hosted by the NMC Library. Without reading buddies, we simply couldn’t have made these programs happen! Volunteers spent time with children, reading and talking with them, completing a craft, and making each young person feel seen. This year, 117 children participated in the programming! I am grateful to work with you!

    • Melanie Griffith
    • Joelle Hannert
    • Eden Hadfield
    • Ciarra Arlt
    • Kelly Yauk
    • Olivia Watrous
    • Cristina Pimenta
    • Taylor Wilcox
    • Bella Whitten
    • Nicco Pandolfi
    • Marcus Bennett
    • Brooklynn Golnick
    • Ayri Norteña
    • Taylor Wilcox
    • Marianne Dages
    • Janet Lively
    • Aric Woughter
    • Nicole Fewins
    • Scott Goethals
    • Tricia Lincoln
    • Lil Anderson
    • Molly Norville
    • Colleen Burry
    • Laurel Forton
    • Katy Grace
    • Mark Dragovich
    • Chelsea Bridson
    • Jeffrey Cobb
    • Lisa Nadlicki
    • Alex Tank
    • Veronica Dragovich
    • Cathy Brown
    • Lee Mikowski
    • Lauren Marchany

(Oh wow, I really hope I didn’t miss anyone because you all are the best!)

I’d also like to thank the leadership at NMC for fostering a culture of service and making DEI a priority. The TCAPS employees we meet during these events are really impressed with the number of people who give up their own time or are released from regular duties to show up for their students. Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service to our community puts action to our words and says a great deal about our institutional values.

And finally thank you to the DEI Committee and Student Life for sharing the cost of the books with the NMC Library. Each of the children who participated went home with a book of their own!

Kudos to Laura Korch! Thanks to ceramics instructor Laura Korch for bringing artist Chris Baskins to NMC! Chris gave presentations on his pottery career to ceramics students and brought pieces of his work to share. Chris was also invaluable in helping Laura and her students with the wood kiln which fired to cone 10!

Kudos to Bobbi Garner and Les Eckert! Les identified a scheduling issue for GLCI students that would have prevented them from taking a required human biology course in fall semester. This was a potential retention and completion barrier for culinary students. Les worked with Bobbi Garner in the Science & Math Academic Area; Bobbi’s quick attention and action allowed for a change to the fall schedule. This change will allow culinary students to complete their science requirement in fall 2025 if needed. Thank you to Les and Bobbi for coming together to problem solve for our students!


Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!

Support services for employees

We recognize that the world around us is always changing and that can be overwhelming. One thing that hasn’t changed is that NMC is here for you. NMC’s Employee Assistance Program through Ulliance can provide you with support in many areas including counseling, coaching, crisis support, legal and financial consultations, and more. These services are completely confidential and available at no cost to you. To learn more, call Ulliance at (800) 448-8326, or review the information provided on the benefits page (must be signed in to your employee account to access).