May 26, 2018 | Intercom
October 14, 2015
If it seems like there’s a lot of new faces in classrooms this semester, you’re right.
Eight new full-time faculty members began teaching at NMC this fall, more than double the number of new faculty who started in 2014 and 2013.
Among those eight, Mac Beeker stands out for another reason: He’s the first full-time male nursing instructor in department history. And with NMC’s male nursing enrollment well ahead of national averages, he’s a fitting addition to the faculty.
“It’s a female-dominated profession, and I don’t think that’s going to change,” said Beeker, a 2010 alumnus himself. “(But) it’s not necessarily a female field they’re entering. It’s the nursing field.”
NMC’s associate degree nursing program enrollment is 21 percent male and male enrollment has climbed for the last two years, both in terms of actual students and percentages. National averages for male student nurse enrollment stand at around 15 percent. Among practicing nurses, only about 10 percent are men.
Director of Nursing Laura Schmidt said NMC has had male adjuncts, but Beeker, a medical-surgical instructor, is a pioneer in terms of full-time status.
“I think it’s very positive that there’s a male instructor,” said Brandon Thompson, a Traverse City nursing student. Graduating next spring, Beeker is the first male instructor he’s had.
Beeker, 50, entered nursing after careers in radio and non-profit management. He came to the field at 40, “half-accidentally, half intentionally” after his parents got sick. In terms of their hands-on care, Beeker discovered that nurses were the providers who truly made a difference.
“My own involvement with my parents’ health, it was pretty clear to me,” he said.
As Beeker did, many men find their way into nursing at older ages and after caregiving experiences, often as a parent or for a parent.
“Those barriers really get broken down for men as they get a bit older,” Beeker said. “There’s no way I could have done this at 18.”
Beeker said he’s particularly interested in infusing a human connection to the practice of nursing. When teaching a procedure, for instance, he seeks for students to learn not only how and when to perform it, but to conduct it with care and compassion for the patient. Skill grounded in academic knowledge delivered in a compassionate bedside manner equates to “phenomenal” nursing, he said.
“I felt that was very present in the NMC program, and I want to continue to try and develop that,” he said.
Since graduating, Beeker has earned a master’s in nursing and worked as a medical-surgical nurse providing primarily post-trauma care at Munson Medical Center. He plans to maintain that connection, working a few on-call shifts a month, to keep up his skills. He said Munson’s status as a magnet hospital for nursing, a designation of excellence by the American Nurse Credentialing Center, reflects positively on the quality of NMC’s program.
“That trickles back and is fueled by the NMC program,” he said.
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will again pay tribute to enrolled and employed veterans with several events in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 13.
- 8:30 a.m. – Veterans’ breakfast. Free breakfast for all veterans and active duty military in the Hawk Owl Cafe in West Hall.
- 9:20 a.m. – Walk of Honor. The campus community is invited to line up along the sidewalks from West Hall to the flagpoles west of the Tanis Building. Led by the Traverse City Central High School drum line, veterans will walk from West Hall to the flagpoles.
- 9:30 a.m. – Flag raising ceremony conducted by the VFW with the Traverse City Central High School band.
- 10 a.m.-noon – Coffee and cake served in West Hall for the entire campus community in honor of veterans.
About 5 percent of NMC students are veterans, and serving those who have served is a year-round priority at NMC, which established an office of Military and Veterans Services in 2012. It works with the larger college community to foster an environment that leads to veteran success. Results thus far:
- For the third consecutive year NMC has been certified as a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly School by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
- Named the fifth-best “Best for Vets” community college nationwide by Military Times in 2016.
- NMC provides no-interest loans to veterans waiting for processing of their benefit checks, so they may enroll immediately.
- NMC makes up the difference between military pay and NMC pay for reservist employees who are called to active duty. Family enrollment in all benefits also continues.
- Since 2008, NMC has participated in a DOD agreement providing in-state (out of district) tuition rates for active duty military and their dependents, regardless of their legal residence
Release date: November 3, 2017
For more information:
Scott Herzberg
POC, Military and Veterans Services
sherzberg@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2526
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 — Registration is now open to all area high schools for the fifth annual Academic WorldQuest, a free, quiz bowl-style team competition on international affairs set for Feb. 1 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City.
Teams consist of four students and an adviser. Schools may field more than one team. Petoskey High School won the 2017 regional competition. More than 4,000 high school students compete nationwide. The winning team gets a trip to Washington D.C. to compete at the national level in late April, an experience that previous winners have described as “the trip of a lifetime.” All participating students will have the chance to win a number of great door prizes the day of the competition, plus lunch.
The International Affairs Forum and Northwestern Michigan College organize the competition. To get involved;
- E-mail iaf@nmc.edu by Nov. 22 to indicate your school’s interest.
- Teams will answer ten rounds of ten multiple-choice questions on preselected topics. Study materials are provided online.
- The competition will be held on February 1, 2018 at NMC’s Hagerty Center, noon-4 pm.
Watch a video of the 2017 competition here.
Release date: November 2, 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 — Northwestern Michigan College is offering a fun and unique way to give back to the community while getting an up-close look at some of the most exciting new technology available on campus.
Students will host STEM Exploration Day from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Parsons-Stulen building on NMC’s Aero Park campus. The event benefits the Food for Thought “Fill the Pantries: Food Drive Challenge.”
Community members of all ages are invited to explore and play with some of the latest equipment from NMC programs including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aviation flight simulators, welding, hybrid vehicles, 3D printer and interactive robots. LEGO robotics and the Grand Traverse County Police Technology Department will also be available.
NMC’s Computer Information Technology department will also host an Explore Your Major event during the STEM Exploration day. By completing activities on a Exploration Passport, such as building and programming games, exploring cloud computing and experiencing virtual reality, participants in sixth grade and above can enter a drawing for an XBox One.
Other activities include face painting, a bake sale, crafts and a silent raffle. Suggested admission is 10 non-perishable food/hygiene items or $5 per person. Products and funds collected will help fill shelves at 51 area food pantries.
The NMC Food for Thought “Fill the Pantries: Food Drive Challenge” is a semester-long experiential learning project that pairs NMC students and the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition.
Release date: november 14, 2017
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Professor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
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 — NMC’s performance ensembles will present the following holiday concerts:
Sunday, November 19: NMC Children’s Choirs holiday concert. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Reserved seating. MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717.
Saturday, December 2: The NMC Jazz Bands and Vocal Jazz Ensemble present Winter Jazz Ensemble Showcase. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors at MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717.
Saturday, December 9: The NMC Choirs join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for “Home for the Holidays.” 7:30 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. MyNorthTickets.com. (231) 947-7120.
Sunday, December 10 The NMC Choirs join the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for “Home for the Holidays.” 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. MyNorthTickets.com. (231) 947-7120.
Monday, December 11: Hip hop dance performance of “Hip Hop Nature” by NMC dance students. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium, free.
Sunday, December 17: The NMC Grand Traverse Chorale and Chamber Singers join area choirs for a concert featuring the music of Dan Forrest. 2 p.m., First Congregational Church. Tickets (231) 947-6698.
Tuesday, December 19: The NMC Concert Band presents an evenng of holiday music. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors at MyNorthTickets.com and at the door. (800) 836-0717
Release date: November 16, 2017
For more information:
Jeff Cobb
Director of Music Programs
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 26, 2018 | Intercom
Dear Colleagues,
I have some good news to report from our state leaders today. Governor Snyder has signed the fiscal year 2018 budget which finalizes several important items for NMC.
This signing marks the end of the legislature’s annual budget process. The budget spends $16.6 billion on school, colleges and universities. It also includes final approval for NMC’s multi-million dollar 21st Century Innovation Center project, a slight 2% increase in our state funding formula allocation and a $1 million investment in the Michigan Transfer Network (MTN) to modernize the MTN website and increase accessibility to information about college and university credit transfers.
The inclusion of these priorities for NMC and community colleges statewide would not have been possible were it not for the leadership of our elected officials, and I would like to personally thank those leaders who represent us in Northern Michigan including Representative Inman, Senator Schmidt and Senator Booher.
In addition, I believe this budget shows the state’s commitment to community colleges and the work that we do every day preparing learners for success through a competency based, knowledge application furthering their pursuit of social and economic success. We are excited to move forward with the West Hall Innovation Center and we will continue to update you on the project.
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Dr. David Shambaugh, director of the China Policy Program at George Washington University will speak at a June 28 International Affairs Forum global hot spot event on the current state of U.S.-China relations.
Shambaugh opened a 2014 conference convened by IAF, bringing together 40 experts on foreign policy, business, education, art and culture to debate what China’s emergence would mean for northern Michigan. Since then, China’s economic, military and political clout has grown enormously. Shambaugh has just returned from an extended study tour of key Asian countries and will discuss how the continuing growth of China’s influence is shifting the dynamics of U.S. and China relations.
In addition, NMC President Tim Nelson will providen an update on connections between northern Michigan and China. What has grown? What has withered? And what are the “next big things” between our region and Asia.
The presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Hagerty Center. Reception begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for IAF memers and $20 for non-members and available at MyNorthTickets.com.
Release date:
For more information:
(contact Info)
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 — During its regular monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees for Northwestern Michigan College unanimously approved a balanced budget and set tuition rates and fees for the fall 2017 and spring/summer 2018 semesters.
General tuition rates for residents will not change for in-district students, leaving the rate at $103.70 per contact hour. The Board approved changes to the general fee, which supports technology and facility infrastructure upgrades and student activities. In-district students will now pay a total of $30.50 in fees per contact hour. The Board eliminated the student registration and application fee. NMC’s in-district tuition is the 13th lowest of the state’s community colleges and is 75 percent lower than the average public universities in Michigan.
“Northwestern Michigan College is committed to providing our learners with world class educational opportunities, while limiting barriers, including affordability,” said Timothy J. Nelson, president, Northwestern Michigan College. “We are proud of the work we have done to limit the financial impact on learners by remaining agile and responsive in a rapidly changing environment. We will have more work ahead of us, but are dedicated to keeping NMC as the top choice for our learners.”
College leaders have been working to make the institution more efficient and lower costs, including reducing 16 positions through restructuring in the last four years and offering a voluntary separation plan this year. Those efforts combined with support from donors, lawmakers and community members are helping the college achieve its goals.
For 2017-2018, NMC’s revenue will be 21 percent from state aid, 22 percent from local property tax, 52 percent from tuition and fees and four percent from other sources.
Northwestern Michigan College general rate tuition categories
| Category |
2016-2017 Tuition |
2017-18 Tuition |
| In-District |
$103.70 |
$103.70 |
| Out-of-District |
$205.30 |
$215.60 |
| Out-of-State |
$267.65 |
$281.00 |
| International |
$302.35 |
$317.50 |
Release Date: June 27, 2017
For More Information:
Vicki Cook
Vice President for Finance and Administration
vcook@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1144
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 choral ensemble, Canticum Novum, and the NMC Concert Band will get your summer off to a toe-tapping start with a series of three concerts each.
Canticum Novum presents choral music featuring masters old and new: Mozart, Brahms, Fauré, Lauridsen, Whitacre, Paulus, and Swingle. The varied cultural program includes the music of Germany, Latvia, India, Russia, France, and American spirituals and hymn tunes. Jeffrey Cobb directs. Suggested donations: $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors taken at the door. Donations will offset the costs of the choir’s trip to Carnegie Hall in New York City.
- June 9: 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, Traverse City
- June 10: 7 p.m., St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Beulah
- June 30, 7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Traverse City
NMC Summer Concert Band presents the following free concerts featuring marches and highlights from your favorite musicals. Pat Brumbaugh directs.
- June 21, 7:30 p.m., Traverse City Senior Center
- June 24, 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium – with Northport Community Band
- July 4, 6 p.m., Northport Marina, Northport – with the Northport Community Band
Release date: June 1, 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 — The Board of Trustees from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is beginning the process of replacing Trustee Marilyn Gordon Dresser after she resigned from her position late last week.
Gordon Dresser submitted a written resignation to the Board June 1, 2017, citing personal reasons.
Board Chair Kennard Weaver said, “We at NMC are appreciative of the service of Ms.Gordon Dresser, and we wish her well.”
Marilyn Gordon Dresser was elected to a six-year term to the NMC Board of Trustees in 2014. She served on several board committees during her tenure including the Barbecue Board, Policy Committee, Fellows Nomination Committee, and the Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee.
Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. to decide the next steps to fill the vacancy until the next NMC Board of Trustees election in November 2018, where voters will choose a candidate to serve the remainder of the term held by Marilyn Gordon Dresser which expires December 31, 2020.
Michigan law gives the college 30 days to fill this position.
Release date: June 5, 2017
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will begin construction in 2018 on its new multi-million-dollar 21st Century Innovation Center after receiving final funding approval today in the Michigan legislature’s FY18 Omnibus Budget, which now goes to Governor Snyder for his signature.
Once complete, the center will combine state investments of more than seven million dollars for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall with NMC-funded investments of more than seven million dollars for a new multi-story library and learning space.
“We are extremely thankful for the support that our state legislative leaders have shown NMC and the 21st Century Innovation Center,” said Timothy J. Nelson, President of Northwestern Michigan College. “Especially the support of Representative Inman and Senator Booher who both serve on the Joint Capital Outlay Committee and Senator Schmidt who has been a strong supporter in the Senate.”
The approved project received input from faculty and staff, including 270 comments during a campus-wide opening conference and 17 user group workshops led by architectural firm Stantec. The new center will encompass an approximately 54,000-square-foot facility, including both state and NMC self-funding portions. It will incorporate innovative and transformative learning environments, a new library and multiple academic and simulation spaces.
“As a result of extensive campus and community input, our program planning team agreed that for the 21st Century Innovation Center to be a success it must complement all NMC facilities, replicate none; be agile in space and technology to meet changing learning needs and encourage users to be curious, experiment, take thoughtful risks and create,” said Nelson. “As a result, once complete, this project will not only help meet our strategic direction of ensuring that NMC learners are prepared for success in a global society and economy, but also will help to enhance our ability to deliver learning through a networked workforce.”
Since 2005, among Michigan’s 28 community colleges, NMC ranks 23rd in capital outlay appropriations, having received only $650,000 in state investment. In addition, the project was one of only five community college projects to receive construction approval by the House and Senate Joint Capital Outlay Committee this year. President Nelson says, “Creating this centralized space on campus is critical for the new community college model of providing competency-based, content-based knowledge application in the pursuit of social, economic and talent development. Over the last six years, we have invested significant time and effort in requesting funding for this project. We are pleased our legislators have recognized our dedication and commitment and are helping to make this investment a reality, for our learners now and into the future.”
“Among my top priorities as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee and vice-chair of the Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee on Appropriations was to fight for this capital outlay funding for Northwestern Michigan College,” said State Representative Larry Inman, 104th district, Grand Traverse County. “I am so pleased as a past NMC Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, along with Senator Schmidt and Senator Booher, that we were able to bring this project across the finish line, among the many other capital outlay projects that were considered. This is a huge win for NMC and students in our area, and to attract more students to NMC, having one of the most innovative community college campuses and learning centers in the state. I am so proud I was part of the team to get this project awarded to NMC.”
“As a longstanding supporter of Northwestern Michigan College, I am very pleased to have played a role in helping to secure resources for this significant project,” said State Senator Wayne Schmidt, who represents the 37th State Senate District in Northern Michigan. “This investment by the state will not only benefit learners in my community, but will also support innovative spaces for learners from around the state and world who are attracted to NMC for its diverse educational opportunities. I am proud of NMC for their work on this and am glad I was able to push this project across the finish line.”
State Senator Darwin Booher, representing the 35th State Senate District, said, “The 21st Century Innovation Center project expands the educational opportunities that NMC offers and helps continue to make NMC a leader in higher education in our region. As senate chair of the Capital Outlay Subcommittee, I have reviewed all of the projects submitted and know that this is one of the best projects for equipping people for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Release Date: June 22, 2017
For more information:
Vicki Cook
Vice President of Finance and Administration
vcook@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1144
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 Les and Anne Biederman Foundation and Ross and Brenda Biederman have announced a $1 million gift commitment to Northwestern Michigan College.
The Biederman Foundation’s $500,000 gift, the largest single grant in its history, will support NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, helping ensure that students are prepared for future careers in water-related fields, train industry professionals, and cultivate generations of Great Lakes stewards.
The balance of the gift includes $250,000 toward scholarships for accounting, business, nursing, and maritime students from the foundation, and a $250,000 personal gift from Ross and Brenda Biederman to the NMC Annual Fund, providing unrestricted support to meet the college’s greatest needs. The gift was announced Wednesday at the 2017 NMC Fellows dinner, where the Biedermans were presented with NMC’s highest honor, in recognition of their decades of philanthropy and support of the college.
“Making the gift was an easy decision,” said Ross Biederman. “The college is important to our whole community.”
President Timothy J. Nelson said, “The Biedermans have always been supportive of what’s going on here at the college and in the community, especially when it comes to water. We are grateful for this gift and all that it will make possible for NMC and our students.”
The Biederman family’s connection to Northwestern Michigan College dates back to Ross Biederman’s father Les, a leader in the effort to found the college in 1951 until his retirement from the Board of Trustees in 1981.
A 1959 NMC alumnus, Ross Biederman has continued that support both with his wife Brenda and through the family’s namesake foundation. The Biederman family has helped establish a culture of generosity in the Grand Traverse region—particularly in support of natural resources and higher education. The Water Studies portion of the gift combines those passions. In recognition, the Water Studies labs, both inside the Great Lakes Campus and aboard the research vessel Northwestern, will be named for the Biederman Family Foundation.
Release date: June 8, 2017
For more information:
Rebecca Teahen
NMC Foundation
(231) 995-1855
rteahen@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
Dear NMC Campus Community:
After reading the article in the Record Eagle on Sunday, May 28, regarding our proposed retirement incentive program I need to comment on certain statements that do not reflect my or NMC’s position. The article reported that the vice president of the NMC faculty union asserted by not replacing full-time faculty, or replacing them with adjunct faculty, a decline in quality would occur at NMC. I believe this reported assertion is patently false. While I hope this was misreported, I still am compelled to comment.
I have consistently stated publicly, and on campus, my belief that every individual that works at and volunteers at NMC is a member of a team committed to learner success. I want to specifically recognize all of NMC’s adjunct, part-time faculty, and teaching staff and administrators for all you do for our learners and our college. Your dedication to your discipline and commitment to student success at NMC is critical to our future.
Rhetoric of the type reported can feed into a perception that the way to enhance one’s own value is to diminish the value of others. This path is not the path that we should expect or accept at NMC. Our collective task is to find ways to celebrate the value each of us bring to our efforts in pursuit of learner success.
Our most innovative employees include people from all employee classifications. Many in our full-time faculty started their NMC careers as adjunct faculty or staff members. Our adjunct faculty and teaching staff include retired generals, retired university faculty, national authors and presenters, nationally known staff members, and more. What they add to our campus and our student experience is significant and cannot be discounted.
I value each individual who works for this college – full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, part-time faculty, staff, administrators, maintenance, custodial, supplemental, executive, and volunteers. It takes all of us to make NMC a great place for learning. We do not live in a zero sum world. We are all responsible to show respect for each other and value everyone’s contributions.
Thank you all for everything you do to help our learners succeed.
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
May 26, 2018 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Janie McNabb, an alumna and strategic policy consultant, to fill a vacant trustee slot on Monday. She will serve through the November 2018 election.
“I am interested in serving as a trustee in order to support the college’s role in responding to the needs of the economy, promoting lifelong learning, and providing cultural experiences to the community,” McNabb said in her application materials. “I believe that my experiences in workforce development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership will be of value to the board of trustees and to the administration. As both a former student of the college and a lifelong advocate for academic and professional training, I would consider it an honor to participate in this level of leadership for the organization.”
She has previously partnered with the college to provide job training in high-demand industries, develop programs based on employer demand and align skilled trades grants with regional planning through her work as Chief Operating Officer at Networks Northwest. She views NMC as a “critical partner to achieving our common goal of developing a quality workforce.”
McNabb attended NMC for two years before transferring to Grand Valley State University. She returned to NMC’s University Center to earn her master’s degree through Spring Arbor University.
Trustees thanked all the applicants and noted the high caliber of the applicant pool. Nine individuals applied to fill the vacancy created by Marilyn Gordon Dresser’s resignation June 1, 2017. Per Michigan law, McNabb will serve until the next election, November 2018, when voters will determine who will fill the remainder of Marilyn Gordon Dresser’s term, which expires December 31, 2020. McNabb will be eligible to run for election for that two-year term or any other open trustee term on the ballot in November 2018.
Release Date: June 27, 2017
For More Information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
Editor’s Note: High resolution photo available upon request.
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 Northwestern Michigan College Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2018 Outstanding Alumni award through Feb. 20.
Created in 1988, the Outstanding Alumni award recognizes alumni for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. The award(s) will be presented at NMC’s annual Commencement ceremony May 5, 2018.
The nomination form is available online. Nominations may also be emailed to Director of Alumni Relations Betsy Coffia at bcoffia@nmc.edu or mailed to the NMC Foundation, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686.
The 2017 Outstanding Alumni recipients were the Honorable Kevin Elsenheimer and Wei Cao. See all recipients here »
Release date: December 20, 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 — Business students at Northwestern Michigan College will be hosting the third annual Big Little Hero Race in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan on Saturday, April 15.
The superhero themed race will be on NMC’s main campus and includes:
- 1 mile fun run/walk (free registration and free collectible cape for children)
- 5K run/walk – $20 for students $30 for adults ($25 for students and $35 for adults after March 20)
- 10K run – $20 for students $30 for adults ($25 for students and $35 for adults after March 20)
The one-mile fun run will start at 9 a.m. and the officially timed 5K and 10K will begin at 9:30 a.m. Participants who register before April 1 will receive a free collectible technical running shirt.
Awards given for:
- Best male costume
- Best female costume
- Best child costume
- Best team costume
Medals given for:
Prizes given for:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan helps match at-risk youth with mentors. The organization aims to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.
Every year the Big Little Hero Race honors a local hero. The 2017 race will be in memory of Sonja Olshove, a beloved NMC professor who passed in September 2016. Olshove received the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award twice for her significant impact on the lives of her students.
After the race there will a wide variety of children’s activities along with live music and a silent auction.
The race will be timed by Endurance Evolution. For more information and registration, visit www.biglittleherorace.com. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available and encouraged.
Release Date: March 6, 2017
For More Information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Abby Gudith
Project Marketing/Media Director
guditha@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 409-7347
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 — Northwestern Michigan College is now the exclusive provider of underwater ROV pilot training credentialed by the Association of Diving Contractors International, a Houston-based association of more than 600 diving companies.
The 10-week program results in an ADCI Pilot Technician Certificate that students obtain as a stand-alone credential. Classes, expected to begin this fall, will be limited to 10-12 students, ensuring highly focused instruction and training scenarios.
Hans VanSumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, said training was built to industry needs. Students will get hands-on training in multiple underwater scenarios including open water, deep water, under ice and around structures. Hydraulics, electronics, pumping systems, troubleshooting, deployment scenarios and other fundamentals are also covered.
“ROV training at NMC has evolved to support all marine sectors and applications. Our people, facilities, and location allow us to train for numerous scenarios and environments,” VanSumeren said. “The curriculum is based directly on feedback from employers and by reviewing other training programs.”
ADCI once certified ROV pilots itself, but lacked a way to vet or assess applicants’ training and experience, according to executive director Phil Newsum, who stopped the practice in 2006. That created a problem.
“Now more than at any time in the underwater industry have we seen such a reliance on ROV operations, especially in tandem with commercial diving,” Newsum said. “(Thus) we have a huge void in the underwater industry, especially here in the United States, where we do not have formal training programs for ROV pilots.”
Last year, however, an industry contact tipped Newsum off to the marine technology programs at NMC. He visited the campus in September, and realized that NMC’s curriculum could fill that void.
“I get to see different training programs globally. By far, this is one of the most impressive,” said Newsum.
When fully deployed, 24-36 people are expected to enroll annually. The first class is anticipated to be offered in fall of 2017.
VanSumeren added the program is structured to be dynamic, evolving with industry.
“The entire training program must be agile for responding to the changes in competencies required by industry whether that is next year, in five years or beyond. “
Release date: April 19, 2017
For more information:
Hans VanSumeren
NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
hvansumeren@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1793
Phil Newsum
Association of Diving Contractors International
pnewsum@adc-int.org
(281) 893-8388
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 community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s open “ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from noon to 3 p.m. April 22. The day will include:
- Guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
- Interaction with current Maritime cadets
- An opportunity to learn more about the Maritime Academy and the maritime industry
Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.
Release date: April 11, 2017
For more information:
Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(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
