Success Story: Equalizing opportunities in the cockpit

September 27, 2017

NMC aviation student Kate HauchNMC Aviation, already celebrating its 50th anniversary, notched another notable accomplishment this fall – the largest number of new female students ever.

The six women, from Michigan to Indiana to Alaska, more than double Aviation’s total female enrollment. They took various paths to the Aero Park campus – from a sight-unseen enrollment after a relative’s recommendation to a cold-hard calculation of cost to value. But after only a few weeks of class, they share a sentiment of satisfaction with the small, welcoming program that gets students into the pilot’s seat ASAP.

“It was amazing. The second week of school we were up in the air,” said Kate Hauch, 29 (above), the Alaskan who enrolled upon the recommendation of her brother-in-law, a former student. She never set foot on campus until she arrived from Juneau a couple days before classes, but has felt welcomed.

“You’re a new student, you don’t know how to fly, let’s learn,” is the attitude she found.

“Being able to fly the first week of school at NMC really made a big difference,” agreed Regan Lezotte, 18, of Howell. She had wanted to go to Western Michigan University and spent months agonizing over her choice. A cost analysis showing she’d save six figures by attending NMC tipped the scales.

“There are some smaller houses that I could buy with this money I’d be saving,” Lezotte said.

At Western she wouldn’t have been flying until summer 2018, and would have been among 800-900 students instead of 50.

“It’s more intimate. My instructor knows me, he knows my name,” said Lezotte, whose goal is to fly in corporate aviation. She’s also already found an internship for next semester, working in the Airport Operations and management offices at Cherry Capital Airport.

Hauch plans to return to Alaska and work in either the aerial survey industry or flying medical evacuation flights. Meanwhile, the Saginaw native is enjoying the warmer weather and the local scenery, like her “gorgeous” first flight up the Leelanau peninsula.

“I love the northern area,” she said.

NMC Aviation will celebrate its first half-century with a symposium and gala dinner at the Grand Traverse Resort Thursday. More details are available at nmc.edu/aviation50.

Award-winning growth in study abroad participation

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has been recognized as a Generation Study Abroad (GSA) leader by the Institute of International Education for more than doubling student participation in study abroad experiences in three years.

NMC was one of approximately 30 schools among 800 GSA institutions worldwide to already achieve its commitment to double student participation in study abroad before the end of the decade. The GSA initiative was launched in 2014, when NMC sent 36 students overseas. In 2016 NMC sent 74 students abroad and ranked 12th in the nation among community colleges for short-term study abroad.

“We are honored to be receiving this award and know it would not have been possible without the dedication of participating faculty and financial support from the NMC Foundation,” said Jim Bensley, executive director of International Services and Service Learning, who will accept the award at an IIE conference in Washington, D.C. next week.

Ensuring that learners for success in a global society is one of NMC’s strategic directions. In 2018 NMC expects to send students to study abroad in six destinations, including South Africa, India, Ireland, Costa Rica, Italy and Indonesia.

Release date: September 27, 2017

For more information:

Jim Bensley
International Services and Service Learning
jbensley@nmce.edu
(231) 995-2527

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

WMU Information Session: Freshwater Science

Western Michigan University is hosting an Information Session on the Freshwater Sciences and Sustainability Bachelors Degree Program in Traverse City. The information session will be at the NMC Great Lakes Campus, in classroom 101, on Thursday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m. Attendees will learn more about the Freshwater Science and Sustainability Program and details that this entire program has to offer. 
For more information, please contact Kim Stevens at Kim.Stevens@wmich.edu (or) at 231-995-1846.

We look forward to seeing you there!

FSU Open House at NMC October 24

Ferris State University-Traverse City Open House October 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Health & Science Building’s Atrium. 

Complete your entire Ferris bachelor’s degree right here in Traverse City. Our degree programs bring you a whole new world of possibilities on the NMC campus! Join us at our Open House to learn how to take the next step. TRANSFER MORE THAN 90 CREDITS! 

Receive a FREE t-shirt just for stopping by!

 

Thank You from the family of Chuck Judson

Dear NMC Family,

During this difficult time, we realize how much our family, friends, and community mean to us. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered.

Thank you for the beautiful plant you sent for Chuck’s visitation & memorial service. NMC was a very important part of his work, life & passion. Our family truly appreciates your thoughtfulness.

Yours sincerely,
The family of Chuck Judson

Thank You from the Baumelers

NMC Family,

Thank you for the flowers sent to the funeral of my mother-in-law Suzie Baumeler. We were touched to see them all the way in Switzerland. After the service was over we placed the flowers at the community tomb for those with no family or funds for a burial. We left the flowers at the Gemeinschaftsgrab Friedental Luzern. It’s a very interesting concept & beautiful structure if you care to look it up.

Peter & Leanne Baumeler

Kudos

KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com

Submit a Kudos here.

Kudos to Lori Hodek:  Heartfelt thanks to Lori Hodek for organizing and facilitating sessions, and then more sessions, to help faculty with their annual plans, for temporarily taking over payroll responsibilities so that we could all get paid, for planning the NMC Fall Conference, for being an ultimate professional and a positive force in the HR department. We salute you.

Position Vacancies & Supplemental Employment

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

 

Position Vacancies

  • Biology Instructor
  • Chemistry Instructor

Supplemental Employment

  • Banquet Server – Hagerty Center
  • Kitchen Steward
  • NMC Children’s Choir Program Assistant

You’re invited! Aviation 50th Gala Celebration

The NMC Aviation Program is setting its sights on the next 50 years! We invite you to celebrate with alumni, faculty and staff, friends, and industry partners at the Aviation 50th Gala at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa on Thursday evening, September 28. We are honored to have keynote speaker Major General Brian Bishop, Retired, United States Air Force and now one of NMC’s esteemed flight instructors.

Plan now to meet up with former students and faculty, supportive community members, and industry leaders at this fun and inspiring dinner event. It will be a night to celebrate the program milestones and the people who have made NMC Aviation the premier program it is today. Your participation in, and sponsorship of, these events directly supports NMC Aviation.

For more information and to register, visit nmc.edu/aviation50.

Voter Registration Events for National Voter Registration Day

To observe National Voter Registration Day 2017, the Osterlin Library is hosting a voter registration event with the county clerks of Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, the League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA) and the League of Women Voters of Leelanau County (LWVLC). Voter registration is available on Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Osterlin Library. National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, September 26. The deadline to register to vote in the November 7 election is October 10.

Osterlin Library regularly cooperates with the League of Women Voters to offer voter registration events for National Voter Registration Day.

(note: when area residents register directly with their county clerk, they are not required to appear in person to vote in the first election in which they vote.)

Wellness Events

October Wellness Newsletter can be found here.

October 2, Lunchtime Bike Ride– Join Chris Barr for a lunchtime bike ride. Everyone will meet in front of the previous Phys Ed building (Rajkovich building across from Maple Lot) at 11:30 a.m. Chris will lead you on a 45-minute bike ride through campus and the beautiful surrounding area!

October 16, Wellness PresentationBest Beverage for Caffeine– Chris Barr will share the secrets with you! Please feel free to bring your lunch, and share in a “best beverage for caffeine” treat in  Osterlin 204 at 12:00. 

October 16, Break Time Exercise– University Center- Room 106 at 2:30-2:45 p.m.

October 23, Break Time Exercise– Chris Barr will be at the following locations to lead you through a quick- 10-15 minute exercise appropriate for the workplace!

  • Great Lakes Campus 103- 10-10:15 a.m.
  • Health Science 101- 1:30-1:45 p.m.
  • Parson Stulen 101/103- 3-3:15 p.m.

October Wellness Challenge – Drop your soft drink – Track and submit number of soft drinks per day for the month of October, aim to reduce your weekly intake and the number of empty and sugar calories consumed. Submit your tracking sheet to Chris Barr or Hollie DeWalt to be entered into a drawing for a Fitbit Alta. 

Kudos!

KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com

Submit a Kudos here.

Kudos to Steve Dixon:  For over a year, I have trusted Steve to answer questions patiently, to be proactive in helping all users at the Fitness Center and to be friendly and welcoming. With the move to North Hall, however, he has shown exceptional service and professionalism. He has been consistently receptive, helpful, patient, creative in finding solutions, and proactive in understanding what users need. We are very lucky to have him as a face of NMC.

Kudos to Kevin Avery, Ed Bailey, Jim Bensley, Joan Berg, Ryan Bernstein, Lisa Blackford, Betsy Boris, Mary Burget, Kevin D’Alessandro, Ashley Darga, Mark DeLonge, Dani Garcia, Dominic Garzonio, Tom Gordon, Nancy Gray, Mark Holley, Robb Houston, Kari Kahler, Candra Kolodziej, Chris Kuchuris, Alissia Lingaur, Janet Lively, Deb Maison, Brian Majerczyk, Regis McCord, Mella McCormick, Kristy McDonald, Mindy Morton, Dianne Owens, Nancy Parshall, Deb Pharo, Michelle Poertner, Sean Ruane, Kristen Salathiel, Shilo Smith, Melissa Sprenkle, John Sullivan, Michael Torre, Sarah Wangler, Anthony Weber, Ryan Wilson: Together this group of faculty saved students over $167,000 in textbook costs this semester by using free/low cost textbooks. They value the financial health of our students without compromises the quality of their teaching.

Kudos to Rochelle Hammontree:  Rochelle took on a project to digitize NMC’s yearbooks to make them freely available online and the alumni office recently reported that, “the link to view digital yearbooks was far and away the most popular one on the alumni e-newsletter we sent last week.” This project is the sort of thing we see her do consistently: quietly doing the work to keep the building and the library running and improving.

Women in STEM meeting Sept. 20

The first meeting of Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) will be held on Wednesday, September 20 at 1:15 p.m. in the Makerspace in the Parsons-Stulen building at 2600 Aero-Park Drive.

Pizza will be provided!

For more information, contact Lianna Bowman at bowman93@mail.nmc.edu.

Success Story: Regional Rx: Home-cooked veggies

September 13, 2017

NMC chefs Fred Laughlin, Bob Rodriguez and Becky TranchellNMC chefs Fred Laughlin, Bob Rodriguez and Becky TranchellFred Laughlin dreams of a day when doctors will write prescriptions for healthy cooking classes.

As a first step, the director of NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute is hosting the region’s first Culinary Medicine workshop Sept. 22-24, teaming up with Munson Medical Center and the Groundwork Center. About 50 doctors and other health care professionals are enrolled for a packed weekend of classes aimed at combating obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease by teaching patients to live healthier lifestyles.

“This has been a goal of mine, teaching healthy cooking to doctors,” said Laughlin. “Smoking was never bad until your family doctor said it was bad. The same thing for eating. Doctors have to be the people pushing this to their patients.”

Culinary faculty members Bob Rodriguez, Robert George and Becky Tranchell will join Laughlin as presenters, along with nutritionists, dieticians and clinicians, including keynote speaker Dr. David Eisenberg, associate professor at the Harvard School of Medicine. In 2007 Eisenberg founded Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives, an annual conference offered by Harvard and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, Cal. It serves as the model for Culinary Medicine.

“I read about this, and said we should be doing this up here,” Laughlin said. “Physicians are waking up to the fact that a lot of diseases, and even food allergies, are driven by the bad food and food choices on the market.”

Munson registered dietician Laura McCain is part of the planning team and will teach at the workshop. She said northern Michigan’s top three chronic health issues — obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes – can all be improved with better diets. The workshop will provide tools, from budget-minded grocery shopping to food preparation techniques to recipes, that the audience, chiefly primary care providers, can then offer their patients.

“It’s helping the physician know there’s a team out there to help them,” said McCain, who is also an NMC culinary alumnus. “The physician gets caught in the middle of this, where they’re expected to help this person get better.”

“There’s a lot of questions out there about what diets are most helpful,” said Dr. Erik Lindstrom, a Traverse City family practice physician enrolled in the workshop. “We look for evidence-based medicine to be able to make educated changes about diet and lifestyle. Those things can really impact their health overall.”

Physicians earn continuing medical education credits for attending. Laughlin said he expects this first year won’t be the last.

“It has a lot of potential to be an ongoing, yearly thing,” Laughlin said.

Success Story: Regional Rx: Home-cooked veggies

September 13, 2017

NMC chefs Fred Laughlin, Bob Rodriguez and Becky TranchellNMC chefs Fred Laughlin, Bob Rodriguez and Becky TranchellFred Laughlin dreams of a day when doctors will write prescriptions for healthy cooking classes.

As a first step, the director of NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute is hosting the region’s first Culinary Medicine workshop Sept. 22-24, teaming up with Munson Medical Center and the Groundwork Center. About 50 doctors and other health care professionals are enrolled for a packed weekend of classes aimed at combating obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease by teaching patients to live healthier lifestyles.

“This has been a goal of mine, teaching healthy cooking to doctors,” said Laughlin. “Smoking was never bad until your family doctor said it was bad. The same thing for eating. Doctors have to be the people pushing this to their patients.”

Culinary faculty members Bob Rodriguez, Robert George and Becky Tranchell will join Laughlin as presenters, along with nutritionists, dieticians and clinicians, including keynote speaker Dr. David Eisenberg, associate professor at the Harvard School of Medicine. In 2007 Eisenberg founded Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives, an annual conference offered by Harvard and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, Cal. It serves as the model for Culinary Medicine.

“I read about this, and said we should be doing this up here,” Laughlin said. “Physicians are waking up to the fact that a lot of diseases, and even food allergies, are driven by the bad food and food choices on the market.”

Munson registered dietician Laura McCain is part of the planning team and will teach at the workshop. She said northern Michigan’s top three chronic health issues — obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes – can all be improved with better diets. The workshop will provide tools, from budget-minded grocery shopping to food preparation techniques to recipes, that the audience, chiefly primary care providers, can then offer their patients.

“It’s helping the physician know there’s a team out there to help them,” said McCain, who is also an NMC culinary alumnus. “The physician gets caught in the middle of this, where they’re expected to help this person get better.”

“There’s a lot of questions out there about what diets are most helpful,” said Dr. Erik Lindstrom, a Traverse City family practice physician enrolled in the workshop. “We look for evidence-based medicine to be able to make educated changes about diet and lifestyle. Those things can really impact their health overall.”

Physicians earn continuing medical education credits for attending. Laughlin said he expects this first year won’t be the last.

“It has a lot of potential to be an ongoing, yearly thing,” Laughlin said.