TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the three 2020 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award.
Lorraine Beers, 1975–1977, Nursing: Crediting NMC as the first major step on a rich and fulfilling educational journey, Lorraine Beers’ career in nursing has led her to work in obstetrics, perinatal outreach, home care, school nursing and infection control/infectious diseases. She credits her beginnings at NMC with setting her on a path which has included travel to the Peruvian Amazon, Hungary, Quebec, and many places in the United States, all while learning how to best use her training.
Having attended several of Michigan’s state universities, Beers cites her most recent degree, a doctorate in nursing practice from University of Michigan-Flint, as one of her proudest achievements. Her dissertation focused on influenza vaccine acceptance among the Grand Traverse region’s homeless population. Beers’ community service has included roles on the Munson Regional Healthcare Foundations Board, the Rotary Charities Board of Directors, and the Rotary World Community Service committee. Beers and her husband Mack are loyal supporters of NMC scholarships and programs. “I couldn’t do what I’m doing without NMC. NMC really helped develop my career,” Beers said.
George Comden, 1951–1953: As a member of Northwestern Michigan College’s first graduating class, Comden has been involved in the college since the very first day it opened. Following his time at NMC, Comden became a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed in Germany for two years. He then completed his bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University and worked in four different Michigan school systems in diverse roles including teacher, bus driver, and assistant superintendent. He then served as an administrative director at Oakland Community College for 22 years.
Comden has organized events for members of the first class and other alumni. He is also a loyal and generous donor to the NMC Library and student scholarships. Most recently, Comden created the Class of 1953 Veterans Memorial Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that supports military veterans who are attending NMC.
David Milarch, 1971: For more than 25 years, David Milarch’s mission has been to clone the world’s “champion trees.” His Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, based in Copemish, archives the genetics of the world’s most important old-growth trees, with the goal of propagating and reforesting the Earth with these cloned champion trees. Highly regarded in his field, Milarch has received honors recognizing the environmental impact of his work. He is a popular TEDx speaker and a topic expert for National Geographic. Over the past year, media stories about Archangel Ancient Tree Archive’s work cloning some of the largest redwoods on earth were broadcast in 150 countries, reaching audiences of over two billion viewers.
Milarch speaks with pride when sharing about his family’s multi-generational connections to NMC, from his sister as a member of the first nursing class to his son, Jared, who holds two degrees from NMC. Milarch’s relationship with NMC began as a student in 1971, and includes cloning NMC trees and planting a champion ash tree on campus. Milarch continues to impact education through the organization’s Treeschool program currently offered in 75 schools in California and Washington state.
Established in 1988, NMC Outstanding Alumni Award honorees are chosen for their professional achievements and/or leadership in the local or global community. Applications for the 2021 Outstanding Alumni award will be sought in January 2021.
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
Cafe Lobdell’s will open on Tuesday, June 30 and be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 11 a.m. for the month of July (with social distancing and state safety guidelines in place *).
Enjoy fresh pastries, breakfast baked goods and delicious coffee, tea, espresso beverages and specialty coffee drinks prepared by our very own Great Lakes Culinary Institute (GLCI) students as part of this summer’s Café Operations course. No reservations are needed. Counter service is available along with plenty of seating including tables on our deck.
* Seating capacity will be limited to 50 percent of normal capacity to maintain social distancing, and face coverings are required when guests are not at their tables.
Thanks to the Dennos Museum Center staff for reimagining how to keep the arts alive while the museum’s doors were closed, as it prepares to reopen to the public June 1. Virtual events included a series of Facebook Live concerts that drew hundreds of viewers and raised money for a local artist relief fund, live artist conversations on Facebook and Zoom, and a virtual pet photography exhibit for K-12 students that culminated in a virtual tour and reception. The museum also retooled its collaborative “Draw Northern Michigan” (Draw NoMI) program for online art education delivery, with Education Curator Jason Dake posting a series of instructional videos.
The Dennos is now planning a limited reopening June 1 with reduced hours and capacity, following a June 23-25 “Membership Appreciation Week” to thank museum members and supporters for their generosity during this challenging time. Learn more at the museum’s Planning Your Visit page and via its Facebook announcement.
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.
Jim Bensley, NMC’s Director of International Services and Service Learning, reports that NMC student Conner Rieck was part of a winning international social media campaign. Bensley has been offering the Soliya Connect international virtual exchange opportunity in his World Cultures course every semester for the past four years. This semester, he had two course sections, one with and one without Soliya.
Due to the upheaval caused by the coronavirus, four students in the non-Soliya section had the chance to take part in a unique project-based opportunity to develop a social media campaign. Throughout the five-week program, students met online to speak — face-to-face and live — and collaborate with their global peers on an awareness campaign concerning health or migration. They were exposed to a diversity of views and identities and encouraged to speak openly and honestly, allowing them to practice critical thinking, curiosity, cross-cultural communication, empathy, and teamwork. In completing an infographic on a migration, they also built self-efficacy and a sense of global citizenship and belonging.
Final projects were voted on by Soliya members and the general public in seven countries. NMC student Conner Rieck was a member of the winning team made up of students from Italy, France, Palestine, Turkey, Tunisia, Syria and the U.S.!
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s plan for fall semester includes face-to-face and online formats with an emphasis on safety and flexibility.
NMC has a wide range of unique programs and students with varied learning needs. To help meet those needs, the College developed an overarching safety structure with flexible learning options.
The plan includes these main categories:
Programs required to meet face to face in the fall because of accreditation regulations will be able to do so. This includes programs like Dental Assistant and the Police Academy.
Occupational programs required to offer their curriculum face to face due to specific and unique instructional needs will be able to do so. Aspects of their programs that can be offered remotely, should be. This includes programs like Maritime.
General Education courses will be offered in three different formats:
Hybrid courses, a combination of both face-to-face and online, will be offered for those courses that require face to face instruction for some activities but can also offer other parts of the coursework online. This includes programs like Fine Arts.
Livestream classes will be offered. These classes are similar to traditional classes in that they are held live at a scheduled time, but students and the instructor will now attend virtually.
Online courses will be offered. These classes give the student the most flexibility and allow them to complete the coursework when it best suits their schedule.
Every face-to-face class will follow all college rules for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. These rules adhere to state and national guidance as well.
“I am so proud to see how agile our faculty and staff have been in coming up with creative ways to meet the needs of our learners in a safe way. This includes the quick pivot in the spring and a comprehensive plan for the fall,” NMC President Nick Nissley said. “While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity to reimagine how we approach higher education and NMC is embracing it. This work, plus the commitment to no tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, should give our students certainty, in an otherwise uncertain time, when it comes to NMC’s commitment to helping them reach their goals.”
The Reimagining Fall Opening Committee of faculty and staff has been meeting regularly since May 7 to create the plan.
The College is currently updating the fall schedule to reflect the new plan. Students will be able to access the updated course catalog starting June 24 to continue to develop their fall semester schedules and register for classes.
NMC Vice President for Educational Services Stephen Siciliano said, “Faculty and staff believe it is critical to listen to and respond to student needs. This plan is designed to offer maximum flexibility to meet those needs. It also allows us to adjust quickly, if we have to, as the situation around the pandemic evolves, so we can continue learning and help students complete their goals.”
To keep students and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the College also launched a Reopening Committee with a focus on campus safety. That committee developed a comprehensive Exposure Control Plan and a Reopening Plan to serve as NMC’s primary safety resource. Individual programs developed specialized safety plans to support their unique student and employee needs while still meeting the college-wide safety requirements. For more information on NMC’s safety plan please visit nmc.edu/keep-safe.
RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020 to note that updated course catalog will be available June 24
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diana Fairbanks Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
Every Wednesday at 1 p.m., the Student Success Center is offering a Student Success Workshop Series. Workshops are free to any future, current or prospective students.
Life shouldn’t feel like a juggling act when taking college classes. Learn simple tips and tools to help you balance your life and school. June 10, 1 p.m.
Unemployment can be tough to navigate, but we’ll give you the inside scoop! Join our Employment Readiness Specialist to talk about moving from unemployment to employment, where the jobs are and how to find them, and how to make your resume stand out. June 24, 1 p.m.
Feeling stressed? It’s not your fault. It’s what’s going on in your brain! Learn 4 easy-to-use techniques to switch on your brain’s focusing power and turn off the hormones of stress. July 8, 1 p.m.
NMC is now in Stage 2 of its reopening plan. This plan is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 while allowing the College to meet the needs of our learners and continue important business functions.
Stage 2 allows for services by appointment only and some small lab classes to be performed on campus following the College’s safety guidelines. Work that can be done remotely, should continue to be performed remotely.
If you must come to campus, please take the self-screening questionnaire first. If you pass the screening, once you arrive on campus, wear a mask or face covering in all areas except your personal office, practice social distancing and follow all cleaning and safety procedures highlighted at nmc.edu/keepsafe.
NMC campus buildings will only be open Monday–Thursday in Stage 2 to allow facilities more time to clean and sanitize buildings. External customers are allowed on campus by appointment only at this time. All buildings will remain locked and only accessible by authorized employees. If you have external customers coming on campus please arrange to meet them at the door to allow access. Buildings that have in-person labs scheduled will be opened for the time that the lab is scheduled. Mail will continue to be picked up at the facilities building.
You can read detailed information about NMC’s safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic in the College’s Exposure Control Plan.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students, employees and community safe.
Thank you, NMC Public Relations
Release date: June 15, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
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.
Thanks to the three dozen NMC faculty and staff members of the Reimagining Fall Opening Committee who have been meeting regularly since May 7 to create the fall semester plan. While the most complex of the three strategies under consideration, the plan to offer face-to-face classes where required and a mix of hybrid, livestream and online courses otherwise will provide the most flexibility to our students while maintaining the safety of students, employees and the community. It will also allow the college to adjust quickly as the pandemic situation evolves.
NMC is now in Stage 2 of its reopening plan. This plan is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 while allowing the College to meet the needs of our learners and continue important business functions.
Stage 2 allows for services by appointment only and some small lab classes to be performed on campus following the College’s safety guidelines. Work that can be done remotely, should continue to be performed remotely.
If you must come to campus, please take the self-screening questionnaire first. If you pass the screening, once you arrive on campus, wear a mask or face covering in all areas except your personal office, practice social distancing and follow all cleaning and safety procedures highlighted at nmc.edu/keepsafe.
NMC campus buildings will only be open Monday–Thursday in Stage 2 to allow facilities more time to clean and sanitize buildings. External customers are allowed on campus by appointment only at this time. All buildings will remain locked and only accessible by authorized employees. If you have external customers coming on campus please arrange to meet them at the door to allow access. Buildings that have in-person labs scheduled will be opened for the time that the lab is scheduled. Mail will continue to be picked up at the facilities building.
You can read detailed information about NMC’s safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic in the College’s Exposure Control Plan.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students, employees and community safe.
Thank you, NMC Public Relations
Release date: June 15, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s plan for fall semester includes face-to-face and online formats with an emphasis on safety and flexibility.
NMC has a wide range of unique programs and students with varied learning needs. To help meet those needs, the College developed an overarching safety structure with flexible learning options.
The plan includes these main categories:
Programs required to meet face to face in the fall because of accreditation regulations will be able to do so. This includes programs like Dental Assistant and the Police Academy.
Occupational programs required to offer their curriculum face to face due to specific and unique instructional needs will be able to do so. Aspects of their programs that can be offered remotely, should be. This includes programs like Maritime.
General Education courses will be offered in three different formats:
Hybrid courses, a combination of both face-to-face and online, will be offered for those courses that require face to face instruction for some activities but can also offer other parts of the coursework online. This includes programs like Fine Arts.
Livestream classes will be offered. These classes are similar to traditional classes in that they are held live at a scheduled time, but students and the instructor will now attend virtually.
Online courses will be offered. These classes give the student the most flexibility and allow them to complete the coursework when it best suits their schedule.
Every face-to-face class will follow all college rules for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. These rules adhere to state and national guidance as well.
“I am so proud to see how agile our faculty and staff have been in coming up with creative ways to meet the needs of our learners in a safe way. This includes the quick pivot in the spring and a comprehensive plan for the fall,” NMC President Nick Nissley said. “While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity to reimagine how we approach higher education and NMC is embracing it. This work, plus the commitment to no tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, should give our students certainty, in an otherwise uncertain time, when it comes to NMC’s commitment to helping them reach their goals.”
The Reimagining Fall Opening Committee of faculty and staff has been meeting regularly since May 7 to create the plan.
The College is currently updating the fall schedule to reflect the new plan. Students will be able to access the updated course catalog starting June 24 to continue to develop their fall semester schedules and register for classes.
NMC Vice President for Educational Services Stephen Siciliano said, “Faculty and staff believe it is critical to listen to and respond to student needs. This plan is designed to offer maximum flexibility to meet those needs. It also allows us to adjust quickly, if we have to, as the situation around the pandemic evolves, so we can continue learning and help students complete their goals.”
To keep students and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the College also launched a Reopening Committee with a focus on campus safety. That committee developed a comprehensive Exposure Control Plan and a Reopening Plan to serve as NMC’s primary safety resource. Individual programs developed specialized safety plans to support their unique student and employee needs while still meeting the college-wide safety requirements. For more information on NMC’s safety plan please visit nmc.edu/keep-safe.
RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020 to note that updated course catalog will be available June 24
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Diana Fairbanks Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and 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
I hope you are well and able to enjoy this sunny weather!
Today we have launched NMC’s COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan (ECP) Training. It is required that all employees complete this training as soon as possible and prior to coming to any of NMC’s campuses again (regardless of the deadline listed in your training email). This training is required to ensure ECP protocols are shared and followed by everyone on our campuses and anywhere they are performing college business outside of their homes.
The COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan is part of NMC’s compliance with Federal, State, and local health rules and guidelines related to the coronavirus. The plan is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD). Completing this training and complying with its guidelines is essential to keeping our ourselves and colleagues, students and campus visitors safe by limiting potential exposure to the disease.
Please check your email for your training link and contact hr@nmc.edu if you have any questions about access to the training.
Thank you for helping to keep one another safe during this public health crisis.
Very Best Regards,
Mark
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
The video below is of the Virtual Budget Session conducted for NMC employees Wednesday, June 10. If you were unable get your questions answered during the session, or if you have any followup questions or feedback, please email them to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
The video below is of the Virtual Town Hall conducted for NMC employees Friday, June 5, with President Nick Nissley, vice-presidents Vicki Cook, Marguerite Cotto, Todd Neibauer and Stephen Siciliano, and Diana Fairbanks, Holly Gorton and Mark Liebling. More than 120 people attended. The TownHall included an update on the work of the college during the last month and a look toward our future including reopening and the fall semester, along with a Q&A.
If you were unable get your questions answered during the meeting, or if you have any followup questions or feedback, please email them to publicrelations@nmc.edu.
FOREIGN POLICY MASHUP: A Webinar Roundtable Discussion
Join IAF as it rounds out its 26th season, featuring Amb. Charles Shapiro, former US Ambassador to Venezuela, former Coordinator for Cuban Affairs, and current President of World Affairs Council of Atlanta. (more…)
50% of proceeds will benefit the COVID-19 Fund at Munson Healthcare Foundations
TEDxTraverseCity goes virtual! Because of these unprecedented times, TEDxTraverseCity will be offered in an online platform this year. A livestream event will ensure our community stays safe while we celebrate ten years of bringing ideas worth spreading to Traverse City. Our tenth TEDxTraverseCity will provide another excellent opportunity for our community to be inspired and challenged. TEDxTraverseCity’s 2020 event will examine the timely concept of RETHINKING OUR HEALTH.
Lorraine Beers, 1975–1977, Nursing: Crediting NMC as the first major step on a rich and fulfilling educational journey, Lorraine Beers’ career in nursing has led her to work in obstetrics, perinatal outreach, home care, school nursing and infection control/infectious diseases. She credits her beginnings at NMC with setting her on a path which has included travel to the Peruvian Amazon, Hungary, Quebec, and many places in the United States, all while learning how to best use her training.
George Comden, 1951–1953: As a member of Northwestern Michigan College’s first graduating class, Comden has been involved in the college since the very first day it opened. Following his time at NMC, Comden became a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed in Germany for two years. He then completed his bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University and worked in four different Michigan school systems in diverse roles including teacher, bus driver, and assistant superintendent. He then served as an administrative director at Oakland Community College for 22 years.
David Milarch, 1971: For more than 25 years, David Milarch’s mission has been to clone the world’s “champion trees.” His Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, based in Copemish, archives the genetics of the world’s most important old-growth trees, with the goal of propagating and reforesting the Earth with these cloned champion trees. Highly regarded in his field, Milarch has received honors recognizing the environmental impact of his work. He is a popular TEDx speaker and a topic expert for National Geographic. Over the past year, media stories about Archangel Ancient Tree Archive’s work cloning some of the largest redwoods on earth were broadcast in 150 countries, reaching audiences of over two billion viewers.
Cafe Lobdell’s will open on Tuesday, June 30 and be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 11 a.m. for the month of July (with social distancing and state safety guidelines in place *).
Thanks to the Dennos Museum Center staff for reimagining how to keep the arts alive while the museum’s doors were closed, as it prepares to reopen to the public June 1. Virtual events included a series of Facebook Live concerts that drew hundreds of viewers and raised money for a local artist relief fund, live artist conversations on Facebook and Zoom, and a virtual pet photography exhibit for K-12 students that culminated in a virtual tour and reception. The museum also retooled its collaborative “Draw Northern Michigan” (
Jim Bensley, NMC’s Director of International Services and Service Learning, reports that NMC student Conner Rieck was part of a winning international social media campaign. Bensley has been offering the 
Every Wednesday at 1 p.m., the Student Success Center is offering a Student Success Workshop Series. Workshops are free to any future, current or prospective students.
FOREIGN POLICY MASHUP: A Webinar Roundtable Discussion
Wednesday, June 17, 2020