Aug 29, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Board of Trustees today unanimously approved a resolution requesting that Benzie County elections officials withdraw two proposals from the Nov. 5 ballot that would have allowed the county to join the college’s district.
The action comes shortly after NMC learned it cannot expand its Board of Trustees to include two Benzie residents. That language was included in the two ballot questions, which sought to annex Benzie County into NMC’s community college district and approve a millage to support college operations.
Upon learning of the error on Aug. 21, NMC contacted Benzie officials in an effort to correct the ballot language. That effort was unsuccessful. NMC president Nick Nissley said the subsequent decision to suspend the annexation effort and request the withdrawal from the ballot was based on the college’s values of transparency and integrity and its commitment to provide Benzie County residents with accurate information.
“It’s disappointing to know that Benzie voters will not have the opportunity to access more affordable — even free in many cases — education and skills training by joining our district,” Nissley said. “However, I was proud to recommend this action to the Board based upon our shared NMC values of trust and integrity.”
“This effort began with a request by Benzie County residents to join our district to make higher education and training more affordable to its residents,” said Board Chair Laura Oblinger, also an NMC alumna. “That outreach and the relationships we’ve built in Benzie County make this an especially difficult decision for us. While we are withdrawing this specific proposal, we will be regrouping as a team to consider our next steps in our mission to make community college more affordable and accessible for northern Michigan residents.”
According to state elections officials, an elected body like the NMC Board of Trustees can request to remove a ballot question by taking the same action it did to place the question on the ballot. Benzie County will consider whether to grant the request.
NMC’s board originally approved pursuing annexation April 22. With “in-district” status, Benzie County residents would have paid the lowest tuition rates. Individuals who graduated high school in 2023 and 2024, as well as individuals 21 and older who don’t already have a college degree, would have been eligible for free tuition under the Michigan Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect programs, which cover in-district fully. NMC would have invested $2 million per year in facilities and programs to benefit Benzie County residents.
NMC intends to step back, regroup, and determine how to best move forward, in Benzie and beyond. Nissley and Oblinger thanked the leaders and supporters of Yes 4 Benzie, a group organized by those who supported joining the NMC district, many of whom had been involved with the effort for more than a year.
“Northern Michigan families deserve the same access to higher education as the rest of the state,” Nissley said. “Northwestern Michigan College is an oasis in a higher education desert, and remains committed to bringing affordable, accessible higher education and skilled training to our entire region.”
Release date: August 29, 2024
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Associate Vice President for Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (Call or text)
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
Aug 28, 2024 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community,
With a mixture of disappointment and pride, I am writing to inform you that on Thursday, NMC’s Board of Trustees will consider a resolution requesting that the Benzie County Clerk withdraw the annexation questions previously approved for the Nov. 5 ballot.
I am disappointed that Benzie voters will not have the opportunity to access more affordable — even free in many cases — education and skills training via annexation. However, I am proud to recommend this action to the Board based upon our shared NMC values of integrity and respect.
Last Wednesday, Aug. 21, NMC learned we cannot expand our Board of Trustees to include two Benzie residents, which was stated in the ballot language. This language had undergone review at multiple points at the state and local levels. Upon learning of the error, we attempted to correct the language in collaboration with the Benzie County Clerk so voters could make the best decision for themselves based on accurate information. We were not successful.
For the entire 73 years of our history, NMC has built a reputation of trust and honesty. I am not willing to risk that reputation by continuing an annexation effort that included inaccurate information. Therefore I am recommending to the Board that we suspend our effort and withdraw the proposals. Tomorrow, they will consider a resolution to do so formally.
Following that decision, NMC intends to step back, regroup, and determine how to best move forward, in Benzie and beyond, since northern Michigan families deserve the same access to higher education as the rest of the state. We extend our thanks to the leaders and supporters of Yes 4 Benzie, many of whom have been involved with the effort for more than a year. Northwestern Michigan College is an oasis in a higher education desert, and remains committed to bringing affordable, accessible higher education and skills training to our entire region.
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Aug 28, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — See cool cars and trucks and support students at NMC’s 18th annual Mike McIntosh Memorial Car and Truck Show Saturday, September 7.
Car enthusiasts will display their classic cars, 4X4s, dragsters, sports cars, modified late models, motorcycles and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NMC’s Automotive Services Building, 2510 Aero Park Drive on NMC’s Aero Park Campus.
Admission is free for spectators. There is a $20 entry fee per vehicle for contestants. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Trophies are awarded for best of show in each class. Enjoy food, music, prizes and a silent auction. Student projects and vehicles will also be on display. Proceeds benefit NMC’s Automotive Technology Program and scholarships.
The show is named for the late NMC Automotive instructor Mike McIntosh, who retired in 2004 after 34 years of service. McIntosh organized the first car show for the Automotive Program in 2004. Learn more here.
Release date: Aug. 12, 2024
For more information:
Wayne Moody
NMC Automotive Chair
(231) 995-1316
wmoody@nmc.edu
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
Aug 28, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in rooms 106-107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Aug 26, 2024 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Building Bigger, Better, and Brighter Community Colleges
Northern Express, Aug. 24 (more…)
Aug 26, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Discovery Pier (DP) will finalize the articles of incorporation for The Freshwater Center, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to managing and owning the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, at a ceremony set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Discovery Pier in Greilickville.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in realizing the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, which aims to catalyze growth in the blue economy sector, creating high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies.
The Freshwater Center will manage the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, a 40,000 square ft research and innovation facility situated on 17 acres owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
The partnership’s key stakeholders include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU). Together, these partners are committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic development in the region. The State of Michigan has allocated $15 million towards the project, and total secured funding stands at $22.7 million. Scheduled to break ground in fall 2025, the total investment required for the dockside learning center and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is estimated at $31.5 million.
The newly-formed nonprofit corporation will have a nine-seat board of directors, comprising representatives from NMC, DP, Traverse Connect, MTU, 20Fathoms, and two at-large members. This diverse board will ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic direction for the center. NMC and DP will maintain necessary reserved powers over key financial and operational decisions.
The center’s activities will also enhance NMC’s water-related educational programs, reinforcing its role as a national leader in freshwater education. NMC’s Board of Trustees has authorized a $3 million commitment to the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, matching DP’s $3 million commitment. This investment will be funded through NMC’s housing reserves, strategic fund reserves, and Hagerty Center reserves.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our community and region. The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will not only advance freshwater research and innovation but also provide significant economic and educational benefits,” said Northwestern Michigan College President Nick Nissley.
Discovery Pier CEO Matt McDonough said, “The Great Lakes face a myriad of challenges from PFAS, invasive species, climate impacts and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these challenges. The Freshwater Center will be a place where new technologies are developed and a skilled workforce is trained to do that.
Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, added, “The Freshwater Center is poised to establish Northern Michigan as a key player in the global blue economy, attracting businesses, talent, and investment to our region.”
With the articles of incorporation finalized, the focus now shifts to completing the Discovery Pier renovations and preparing for construction of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Construction bids will be awarded in December 2024, with construction set to start in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
Release date: August 26, 2024
For more information:
Jason Slade
NMC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
jslade@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1995 (office ) || (248) 318 3038 (cell)
Matt McDonough
Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Pier
Matt@discoverypier.org
(231) 409-4285
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
Aug 23, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, August 26
Lamb Gyros with lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion, feta, and tzatziki sauce served with pita & lemon rice
Falafel Gyros (V) with lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion, feta, and tzatziki sauce served with pita & lemon rice
Tuesday, August 27
Pine Palooza – Free Lunch!
Grilled Hot Dogs with chili sauce and cheddar served with chips & bottled water
BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with chips & bottled water
Wednesday, August 28
Spaghetti & Meatballs with marinara and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Roasted Vegetable & Lentil Spaghetti (V) with marinara and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Thursday, August 29
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage and alfredo sauce served with garlic crostini & green beans
Potato Gnocchi (V) with roasted veggies and alfredo sauce served with garlic crostini & green beans
Friday, August 30
H.O.C. Smashburger with cheese, bacon, and onion straws served with sweet potato fries & asparagus
H.O.C. Impossible Burger (V) with cheese, bacon, and onion straws served with sweet potato fries & asparagus
Aug 23, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
(more…)
Aug 23, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Tony Sauerbrey. Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Traverse Connect hosted a Drones & E-Boat Demo Event at Elk Rapids Marina as part of an Advanced Aerial Mobility project grant from the state. Tony showcased NMC’s unique fleet of uncrewed aerial systems for attendees and answered questions from state and local officials regarding the capabilities and use cases for drone technology. Tony demonstrated a drone’s unique ability to collect water samples in shallow waterways where a boat or ROV could not navigate. In addition to this event, Tony will be working on a regional healthcare initiative to use drones for medical applications to improve patient service.
Kudos to Becca Richarson & Sarah Montgomery-Richards. Instructors Becca Richardson and Dr. Sarah Montgomery-Richards are the dynamic duo who have, once again, held two successful sessions of College Edge Summer ’24. Eighteen students in three cohorts were able to successfully navigate the hybrid intensive, gaining $500 scholarships for the completion. Richardson instructed math for all sessions while Montgomery-Richards instructed English for our adult learning program and college success for our math boot camp attendees. The willingness and dedication shown by these two instructors to navigate challenges, yet remain steadfast in the pursuit of delivering educational opportunities to these groups of students is commendable and did not go unnoticed.
Kudos to Katy Knight. For years, the behind-the-scenes person responsible for coordinating fun and engaging events for the student success coaching team is at it again, this time as Office Manager for Student Life. This summer, Katy Knight has been hard at work preparing for Fall 2024 Welcome Week events. For the first week of the semester, we will see students mingling with their instructors at “Popcorn & Professors,” Kayaking on Grand Traverse Bay, Bowling at Lucky Jack’s, and Going Nuts for Donuts, not to mention the biggest event of them all, attending “Pineplooza!” Events on campus are a great way to help students get connected to others and the community. If you are out at any or all of these events, be sure to give Katy a shout-out for all the work she does to help kick off our academic school year with excitement!
Kudos to Sharon Angel. Kudos to Sharon Angel for maintaining such a clean and pleasant environment at the Parsons-Stulen Building. She recently waxed the floors, and they are glowing!! Sharon gave extra attention to the vending area. In addition, the building, offices, and bathrooms are meticulously maintained year around. Thank you Sharon!
Kudos to the Hagerty Center Team. The whole Hagerty Center team always put so much into every event we host with them. The front of house sneak around behind the scenes to make sure beverages are always filled and plates are always cleared and are so efficient at what they do. The back of house team always prepares delicious food that’s worth raving about, their recent addition of breakfast sandwiches met a needed niche of a breakfast between continental and buffet. The bartending team serves with a welcoming smile. And last but certainly not least the supervising and coordinating team always make sure that there’s no details missed and that everything runs smoothly. Together they make quite the dream team and we truly appreciate the passion and commitment they put into every event we host with them.
Kudos to Hollianne McHugh. Hollianne took the lead and organized lab/storage space to accommodate an instructor. She pulled together all the instructors involved, and came up with a solution that works. All this just 3 days before the semester is to begin. Hollianne has been vital in the tech division. Along with teaching full time, she promotes our manufacturing programs, encourages students, works with instructors in all areas, and oversees the manufacturing lab. She took on a daunting task of organizing the lab and storage of equipment and supplies for easier access. Thank you Hollianne, you are appreciated!!
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!
Aug 23, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Taylor Vadeboncoeur – Adjunct – Nursing
- Danny Grim – Adjunct – English
- April Hackert – Adjunct – Culinary Baking Arts
- Elena Stavropoulos – Adjunct – Applied Music
- Marissa Walton – Staff – Bookstore Assistant
- Delaney Cook – Adjunct – CFI
- Chris Buday – Adjunct – Construction Technology
- Ethan Squires – Student – Writing Center Reader
- Hal Papcun – Adjunct – Art
- Nik Burkhart – Adjunct – Art
- Cristina Pimenta – Supplemental – Reference Librarian
- Joseph Flowers – Adjunct – Computer Information Technology
- Jenaya Thoreson – Student – Writing Center Reader
- Kevin Avery – Adjunct – English
- Willow MacLaughlin – Adjunct – CFI
- Valerie Marinello – Student – Writing Center Reader
- Thursday Maurer – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Bella Sanchez – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Ashley Murray – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Kylie Nelson – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Kyran Robb – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Shae Bearss – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Charlotte Wyszynski – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Michael Nachazel – Adjunct – Surveying
- Jeffrey Murray – Adjunct – Culinary Arts
- Trevor Schick – Supplemental – GLMA Deck Crew AB
- George Yaniga – Supplemental – GLMA Deck Mate
- Michael Peterson – Adjunct – Culinary Arts
Aug 22, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
On this first day of classes, we wish success to the more than 3,100 students who are enrolled in nearly 5% more credit hours than last fall. Thanks to everyone who’s helped make Welcome Week 2024 memorable so far! If you’d like to volunteer, there’s still opportunities available. Sign up here.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Aug 22, 2024 | Intercom
Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Hagerty Center for Monday’s Opening Conference, with the theme of “Growing Together: A Caring & Vibrant NMC for All.” Attendees were introduced to new employees and employees who have taken on new roles, met new Chief Advancement Officer Dino Hernandez, and heard updates on multiple NMC projects including the Aviation expansion, Brand Assessment & Strategy, Campus Master Plan and Freshwater Research Innovation Center. You can
watch a recording of the conference here.
Aug 19, 2024 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student Events
3 p.m. – Grand Traverse County (Drive Thru), NMC Front Street Campus Maple Parking Lot, 1701 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
Wondering how to stretch your budget this school year? Let NMC and Feeding America help! Free fresh foods, fruits, vegetables, and more are available to all students and their families through our grant funded Mobile Food Pantry program. The program will distribute goods twice monthly during the 2024–25 school year. ALL Students are able to use this program: there are no means tests or financial measures to participate.
The first mobile food pantry will be held on Monday, Sept. 9 from 3–5 p.m. Hop in the car line in the Maple Lot on the Front Street Campus and drive through the distribution loop. Food will be loaded into your trunk. All students and their families are encouraged to participate. Each recipient receives approximately 7–10 days of fresh fruit, produce, and other food stuffs on a first come, first serve basis.
No car? No problem! You’re welcome to “walk through” and receive goods in a carry-able way. Feel free to bring a backpack or other reusable bags!
As a college, we recognize that so many students live paycheck to paycheck. Our mobile food pantry is specifically designed for students to supplement income with fresh, healthy foods and free up limited funds to go towards other expenses.
Mobile food pantries at NMC are offered in conjunction with the NMC Foundation, grant funding from the Oleson Foundation, and a partnership with Feeding America West Michigan. Each pantry distribution brings up to 7,500 pounds of fresh food, supplying approximately 110 NMC students and their families with an infusion of $350–400 worth of food each month. For 2024–25, this program is expected to free up approximately $318,000 of value in the budgets of our students so that they can meet their other financial obligations.
The NMC Food Pantry offers a variety of programs and resources for NMC students, including a self-service “Hungry Owls” food pantry on campus, mobile pantries, Goodwill resource certificates, and seasonal grab-and-go fruit. Financial support and donations are appreciated and can be sent to the NMC Foundation with the designation “NMC Food Pantry”.
The NMC Pantry programs and Mobile Food Pantry will always need volunteers. Please contact Paul Kolak pkolak@nmc.edu to volunteer with the pantry program or Cathy Warner cwarner@nmc.edu to volunteer with the mobile food pantry program.
Aug 19, 2024 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Adapted in TC: Parkinson’s disease and the environmentalist
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, Aug. 18 (more…)
Aug 19, 2024 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
Fall Classes are now open for registration!
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Unlock the Secrets of Metalworking: Make Your Own Rain Chain
Thursday–Saturday, Oct. 3-5; 5–8 p.m. (Th-F) & 8 a.m.–Noon (Sa)
Employee Price: $75 per person (public price $299)
Dive into the captivating world of metalworking with our introductory course designed to ignite your imagination and hone your skills. Make your very own rain chain! Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate student, this 3-day workshop is your gateway into unraveling the mysteries of metal. No prior sculpture or metalworking experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm, and let us guide you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and creation.
Functional Fitness (new time!)
14 classes; Tu/Th Sept 17–Oct 31; 4–4:45 p.m.
Employee Price: $22 (public price: $199)
Join IT guru and fitness fanatic Kyle Morrison for this end of the work day workout that blends flexibility, strength training, aerobics, posture improvement, and breathing techniques to increase overall fitness and enhance recovery. Participation in this class will be alongside others with similar goals, abilities and limitations – a personalized experience unique to each individual. Utilize a mix of boxing, kettlebells, and bodyweight exercises, ending with a total body stretch to promote recovery.
Soul Stirring Strength & Stretch
13 classes; Wednesdays Sept 11–Dec 11; 5:45–6:45 p.m.
Employee Price: $22 (public price: $175)
Enjoy an evening yoga practice without leaving campus! Designed to empower you from the inside out, this class encompasses everything from asana (postures), vinyasa (transition flows), and pranayama (breath work), coupled with additional elements of functional strength and mobility, concluding with stretching.
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Aug 19, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee will meet Monday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Aug 19, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to the first 12 graduates of a new, fast-track bachelor’s of science in nursing program offered as a partnership between NMC and Davenport University! A pinning ceremony will be held tonight, August 19, to honor the graduates, 11 of whom are also NMC alumni. They are among the first in Michigan to graduate and find employment since 2022 legislation that established a BSN path for community colleges.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Aug 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 228 students who made the summer semester Dean’s List, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
