The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
Rami Khouri, internationally acclaimed journalist, commentator, author, and professor at American University of Beirut, speaks with clarity and authority on the challenges facing journalism — and journalists — today.
Tickets are $5.00 and FREE to students, educators and journalists. Call (231) 947-3446 to reserve your seat.
Kudos to Sharon Angel, Custodial Staff: Throughout the year, Sharon has gone above and beyond her job requirements/duties in maintaining the Fine Arts Building. Concrete illustrations of Sharon’s commitment to the college were displayed in the tremendous amount of additional work she put into preparing the Fine Arts Building for our Re-dedication Celebration in September, as well as our Humanities Open House in November. Not only did Sharon work tirelessly in the evenings to prepare the building for these special events, she also showed her support for the Humanities Area by attending both of these events during her off-hours. We are so fortunate to have someone who not only cares about her work, but also cares about her work impacts others!
Kudos to the NMC Foundation Office: The Annual Taste of Success Scholarship Event was held on Friday April 12, 2019. This group of people embody what a collaboration should look like. From planning throughout the year, to the night of the event, all of the members of the department were willing to go the extra step to make sure the event was top notch. Special “night of kudos” to handling all the details from silent auction to check in and check out, as well as being willing to stand out in the cold and wind and direct traffic.
Kudos to Lindsey Lipke and Troy Kierczynski: Kudos to Troy and Lindsey for their work to streamline and organize travel financials/reimbursements for the China Trip. This was a bit more complicated than the typical business trip. We appreciate your help.
NMC’s aviation program will get a lofty showcase before a national audience this summer when a pair of student pilots fly across North America in the Air Race Classic, the oldest air race of its kind, and exclusively for female pilots.
Ninety years after legendary aviator Amelia Earhart made cross-country racing popular, Team Hawk Owls — Hannah Beard of Interlochen (left) and Jessi Martin of Maple City (right) — will take off from Jackson, Tenn. on June 18 in an NMC Cessna. The 2,500 mile trip is a race against the clock broken into nine legs. They expect to land in Welland, Ontario, by June 21.
“It’s going to be marathon,” Martin, 43, said.
“Sunrise to sunset flying,” agreed Beard, 23.
Entering the Air Race Classic is the latest example of how women at NMC are making significant strides in what has long been a male-dominated field. While only four percent of U.S. airline pilots are female, nearly 20 percent of current NMC aviation students are now women. The college is now home to a chapter of Women in Aviation International, which allows them to network and support each other.
Women are also becoming leaders among the overall student population. Beard is NMC’s top-performing aviation student this year, mastering commercial pilot skills faster than any other student, Aviation director Alex Bloye said.
“She met all the requirements of the certificate much quicker than any other student we’ve seen in recent years,” Bloye said.
He said competing in the Air Race Classic will drawn more awareness to NMC’s aviation program. Only one other community college has entered. Among the 15 academic teams are mostly large universities including Western Michigan University, Purdue and Ohio State.
“This race will put NMC and our pilots on the national stage with some of the best aviators in the world,” he said. “This is an exciting opportunity to not only inspire the next generation of NMC students, but to give Hannah and Jessi a chance to expand their envelope of experience.”
Their plane’s tail number — N157KC — honors former flight instructor, Kevin Copeland, who passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2017. An NMC flight instructor, Victoria Gann, will be racing as part of another team. Air Race Classic pilots range from ages 17 to 90.
“We look forward to seeing Hannah and Jessi cross the finish line. This will be a huge accomplishment that will help to solidify interest of future NMC race teams,” Bloye said.
NMC is seeking sponsors to help underwrite the $10,000 cost to compete, which includes fuel, transportation and lodging. Contact Paris Morse at the NMC Foundation, pmorse@nmc.edu, for more information.
Follow Beard and Martin’s progress at the NMC Aviation Facebook page. They expect an NMC cheering section may show up at the race’s seventh stop, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Be sure to mark your calendars for these two important events recognizing our outstanding students and graduates!
Honors Convocation will take place on Friday, May 3 with the reception starting at the Dennos Museum’s Sculpture Court at 4:45 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at the Milliken Auditorium at 5:30 p.m.
Commencement will be held Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at Traverse City Central High School. The public is invited to attend, or can watch the ceremony streamed online here.
Locking your Computer Prevents Malicious Activity… for PC, Mac and Chromebook Devices.
Why? It prevents others from gaining access to your computer, files, student information, emails and performing malicious activities on your NMC Device(s).
Observe NMC dance students and guest dancers cross the campus with improvisational dance on Monday, April 29, 3:10-5:10 p.m. featuring live music by Dede Alder. For more information, contact: Dorothy Eisenstein, project director deisenstein@nmc.edu
TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for the 64th annual NMC Barbecue, set for May 19 on main campus. The traditional spring “Picnic Under the Pines” will raise money for student scholarships and the new West Hall Innovation Center.
The Barbecue Board, a group of community volunteers and NMC employees, has pledged $9,000 this year into its existing endowed BBQ scholarship fund of $25,000 for NMC’s Commitment Scholars Program. With that program, NMC promises a college education with a scholarship that covers 60 credit hours to selected northern Michigan ninth graders who are first-generation students, show academic promise and potential, and have financial need.
The BBQ Board has also pledged an investment of $30,000 over the next 5 years to The West Hall Innovation Center, currently under construction. The multi-million dollar project will renovate and modernize the 50-year-old building to create a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story library and flexible learning space. It will incorporate innovative and transformative learning environments and multiple academic and simulation spaces.
“The NMC BBQ has a long and proud history of investing in the future of our region, whether it’s through the students themselves, or by creating the learning spaces they need to succeed,” said BBQ Board President Heather Jewell. “It’s exciting to know a $6 picnic meal can have such an incredible impact when we all join together to support our college.”
Advance tickets are $6 and available online now through My North Tickets at mynorthtickets.com/events/nmc-bbq-2019 with a $1.25 processing fee. Pre-sale tickets will also be available for $6 at all Oleson’s Food Stores, the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the NMC Foundation, and many financial institutions. Tickets are $8 on Barbecue Day.
The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate all the food. Several thousand people attend every year, raising more than $1.8 million for college scholarships, programs and equipment over the years.
The NMC BBQ is also a proud “friendraiser” for the college with nearly 500 community volunteers giving back to their community college. To help with the event sign up online or go to nmc.edu/bbq and click “Volunteer at the BBQ.”
In addition to the traditional menu of buffalo steakettes or hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and beverage and ice cream served from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on May 19 , free live entertainment is provided throughout the day. Classroom displays and program exhibits offer the public a chance to see what’s going on at NMC. Children’s games and activities will also be provided. The Barbecue will once again strive toward zero-waste, with composting and recycling services available.
Release date: April 16, 2019
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
Tuesday, April 16, 12:15-1 p.m.,
Dennos Museum Lobby
Come enjoy a guided tour of Orna Ben-Ami’s exhibit, Entire Life Package, and the Inuit art that we have on display at the Dennos Museum. Entire Life in a Package is the story of millions of refugees with millions of packages, suitcases, sacks — “Life packages” that hold the desire to survive. In it, they pack both hopes and pains. Behind every package there is someone looking for a place. The objects that people take, in one package, represent their identity and sense of belonging, their memories and hopes for the future.
Join us for a free screening of Line 5, Barton Bund’s three-part series, followed by free refreshments and an informal community discussion in Scholars Hall room 217. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following the film.
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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 Osterlin Library.
Kudos to Dr. Kari Kahler, Associate Dean of Learning Services: Kari was elected Secretary of the national Phi Theta Kappa Association of Chapter Advisors (ACA) during the April 2019 PTK Catalyst Convention in Orlando, FL. The ACA Board serves as a liaison between Phi Theta Kappa advisors and headquarters staff. Kari has been an incredibly dedicated Phi Theta Kappa advisor since 1997 and, under her leadership, our NMC chapter has received multiple national and international awards including Most Distinguished Chapter and Distinguished Officer Team. Kari’s contributions to Phi Theta Kappa on a national level have elevated the importance of providing access and support to promote student success, persistence and completion.
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Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at the State Theatre
NMC’s aviation program will get a lofty showcase before a national audience this summer when a pair of student pilots fly across North America in the 
Entering the Air Race Classic is the latest example of how women at NMC are making significant strides in what has long been a male-dominated field. While only 
TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for the 64th annual NMC Barbecue, set for May 19 on main campus. The traditional spring “Picnic Under the Pines” will raise money for student scholarships and the new West Hall Innovation Center.
Tuesday, April 16, 12:15-1 p.m.,
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff!