Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

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.

Fitness Conditioning (3 spots left!)
Condition your entire body by using a variety of modalities like Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardio. By using many different types of exercises that incorporate flexibility, strength, and resistance, you will build strength, agility, and power.
14 sessions; Mon/Wed, Sept. 16 – Oct. 30; 5:30-6:30p
Employee Price: $35 (public price: $225)

 

Date Night: Mediterranean
Immerse yourself and a guest in the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine, a symphony of fresh flavors and enticing aromas. This culinary journey will equip you with the skills to create balanced dishes that showcase the bounty of the region.
Tuesday, Sept. 17; 6-9p

Employee Price: $46 for two people, includes beverages (public price: $199)

Artisan Bread Masterclass: Holiday Breads
Chef Les Eckert leads this two-and-a-half day intensive course that will take your holiday baking to the next level! Learn how to make beautiful and tasty holiday breads that have been around for centuries: Stollen, Challah, Panneton, and more!
3 sessions; Fri – Sun, Nov. 8-10; 5-9p (Fri) and 9a-3p (Sa & Su)
Employee Price: $149 includes lunch Sa & Su (public price: $499)

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
EES Help Desk

On the menu: Daily specials at the Hawk Owl Café

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, September 9

Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce served with crostini & broccoli

Roasted Vegetables (V) with pesto cream sauce served with crostini & broccoli

Tuesday, September 10

Chicken Enchiladas with peppers and onions served with Spanish rice & refried beans

Roasted Vegetables (V) with peppers and onions served with Spanish rice & refried beans

Wednesday, September 11

Sesame Chicken Stir Fry served with basmati rice & egg rolls

Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V) served with basmati rice & egg rolls

Thursday, September 12

Italian Sausage Rigatoni served with garlic bread & broccolini

Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni (V) served with garlic bread & broccolini

Friday, September 13

BBQ Pulled Pork with brioche bun served with creamy coleslaw & baked beans

BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with creamy coleslaw & baked beans

Kudos!

Kudos to Ricky Hagberg, Michelle Beckett and Shane Reed. Ricky, Michelle, and Shane from the Technology Help Desk did such outstanding work the first-week faculty returned and again the first-week students returned. They helped over 150 walkups the first week students returned, plus hundreds and hundreds of phone calls and chats! Their knowledge and expertise are showing as more and more employees and students reach out to the Technology Help Desk with simple to very complex issues. I can't say THANK YOU enough to this team for their professionalism, patience, integrity, and overall willingness to support NMC in all things technology! Props to you 3!.


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!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

  • Apple-Lee Anderson – Student – Writing Center Reader
  • Lexi Minzey – Supplemental – Writing Center Reader
  • Maggie Baker – Supplemental – Food Service Back Of House
  • Dakota Eberhardt – Staff – Aviation Maintenance Technician

Media mentions for September 9, 2024

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.

Gaza, migration, climate change among IAF critical issues
Record-Eagle, Sept. 8 (more…)

Building & Site Committee meets Sept. 10, Executive Committee meets Sept. 12

The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a Building & Site Committee meeting Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. The board’s Executive Committee will meet Thursday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. in the same location. Both meeting notices are available here.

For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.

NMC fuels area economy with $204.5M impact

College’s economic impact includes supporting 3,106 regional jobs

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) has released the results of a comprehensive economic impact study, highlighting the college’s substantial contributions to the regional economy and community. The study, covering fiscal year 2021–2022, reveals that NMC added $204.5 million in income to the economy of its service area, which includes Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties.

Through its operations, student spending, and alumni influence, NMC’s activities supported 3,106 jobs across the region, demonstrating the college’s broad and vital impact on the local economy. It also showed that NMC generates more in tax revenue than it receives.

Key highlights:

  • Alumni impact: The education and training provided by NMC to regional residents generated $163.9 million in added income for the regional economy, supporting 2,305 jobs. This underscores the long-term impact of NMC’s programs on the workforce and local businesses.
  • Operations spending: NMC’s role as an employer and large-scale purchaser added $37.4 million in income to the region. The college employed 289 full time and 303 part time workers, 93% of whom reside within the service area, with a payroll totaling $30.4 million. Additionally, NMC spent $23.8 million on day-to-day operations and construction, $12.1 million of which was spent locally.
  • Student spending: The presence of out-of-region students and the retention of local students contributed $3.2 million in income to the regional economy, supporting 51 jobs in the area.

NMC President Nick Nissley commented on the findings: “This study reaffirms what we’ve always known — NMC is a critical driver of economic prosperity in our region. The fact that our activities support one out of every 42 jobs in our service area illustrates the profound impact we have not only on our students but also on the broader community. We are proud to contribute to the vitality of Northern Michigan and remain committed to providing the education and training that propels our regional economy forward.”

The study found NMC generates more in tax revenue than it receives, providing a benefit-cost ratio of 1.4 for taxpayers. 5.2 for students and  7.4 for society. For every dollar invested in NMC:

  • Taxpayers receive a cumulative value of $1.40, calculated in terms of savings to public health care, justice and income assistance systems. 
  • Students receive $5.20 calculated in terms of higher future earnings.
  • Society receives $7.40 in benefits, calculated in terms of added student and business incomes, college operations and social savings.

The study was conducted in 2023 by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm with headquarters in Boston and Idaho. The study applies a conservative methodology and follows standard practice using only the most recognized indicators of economic impact and investment effectiveness, such as reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census.

Read more about the report here.

 

Release date: September 5, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@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

Success story: New nonprofit to operate blue tech economy hub

September 4, 2024

Aerial rendering of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center site

A new economic era in the Grand Traverse area formally kicks off today in Greilickville, as NMC and the Discovery Pier (DP) formalize the structure of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center which will create high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies.

NMC and DP will sign articles of incorporation for the nonprofit dedicated to managing and owning the Center, a 40,000 square foot facility and dockside learning lab situated on 17 acres of West Grand Traverse Bay frontage owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and FRIC supporters gather at the project siteLt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, center,  and FRIC supporters gather at the project site last year.Set to break ground in a year, the Center has already attracted $22.7 million in funding, including $15 million from the state of Michigan. It is envisioned as a hub for the region’s blue economy, a sector that is poised to be as important as lumber, agriculture and tourism have been.

“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our community and region.” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will not only advance freshwater research and innovation but also provide significant economic and educational benefits.” 

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.

NMC and DP have each committed $3 million to the Center. Other key stakeholders include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU), who will all have seats on a nine-member board of directors. 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.

Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, said, “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.”

Construction bids are scheduled to be awarded this December, with construction set to start in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.

Study Abroad Lunch & Learn

Join us for lunch with fellow travelers as you learn about our study abroad experiences for 2025. Destinations include Morocco, Ireland, Denmark, Spain, France and Japan!

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 25 from Noon to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106/107.

Want to learn more? Register for lunch here. For more details on each destination visit our page often at nmc.edu/study-abroad.

Contact Marina Call at mcall@nmc.edu with questions.

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

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.

Welding: Try It Out
9 sessions; Thurs – Sat, Sept. 26-28, Oct 10-12 & 24-26; 5-8p (Th & Fri) & 8a-12p (Sat)
Employee Price: $169 (public price $899)
Perhaps welding is a future career path for you or your dependents, but you want to try it out before making an investment of time and money? Or, already in the field, but looking to upgrade and/or add new skills?

Confronting Racism: A Visit to the Jim Crow Museum
Friday, Nov. 11; 10a – 5:30p
Employee price: $75 (public price: $199)
Note: Employee participation on this trip does not require use of a vacation day.
Step into community and conversation with your fellow citizens here in Northern Michigan to explore the history of race relations in America through a unique lens at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery at Ferris State University. Seats are limited – register early!

Homeowners 101
3 sessions; Fridays, October 11 – 25; 9a-12p
Employee Price: $75 (public price $249)
Master essential DIY skills to tackle everyday home improvement projects, such as installing light fixtures, replacing switches and outlets, installing baseboards, and more. Plus, learn essential maintenance tasks to safely handle everyday repairs.

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
EES Help Desk

Media mentions for September 3, 2024

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.

Impact100 Traverse City announces 2024 grant finalists
TV 9 & 10, Sept. 2
Philanthropy News Digest, Sept. 2 (more…)

On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for Sept. 2-6

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, September 2

Labor Day – No Special

Open 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Tuesday, September 3

Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans 

Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips and queso blanco & refried beans

Wednesday, September 4

Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread

Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread

Thursday, September 5

Lasagna served with garlic bread & broccoli

Vegetable Lasagna (V) served with garlic bread & broccoli

Friday, September 6

Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus

Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus

Kudos!

Kudos to Dylan Schaub & Chris Hanna. Chris and Dylan successfully upgraded all classroom and conference room PCs to Windows 11 before the Fall semester. Despite the challenges posed by older equipment and software, they demonstrated exceptional technical skills and problem-solving abilities to ensure a smooth transition. Their efforts have significantly enhanced our campus computing resources’ functionality and security, benefiting students and faculty alike. Thank you, Chris and Dylan, for your dedication and hard work!

Kudos to Adyn McHugh. Adyn is an amazing student who returned to a busy advising office after a summer working in Marine Technology. He immediately jumped right back into a busy work week, helping all of our teams in the week-before-classes scramble. Adyn confidently answers student questions and takes the time to provide a full and in-depth explanation. His professionalism and expertise in the office are only overshadowed by his passion for Marine Tech and his fellow students. Adyn has helped us greatly this week, all while preparing for his Fall semester.


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!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

  • Holly Stenberg – Supplemental – Student Life Counseling Intern
  • Justin Hunt – Supplemental – Student Life Counseling Intern
  • Sara Hartley – Adjunct – Culinary Arts
  • Ty Peterson – Supplemental – Fitness Center
  • Dmitry Novikov – Student – Fitness Center
  • Anders Wetton – Student – Fitness Center
  • Kate Pilkington – Supplemental – GLMA Vessels Deck Crew (AB)
  • Levi Brower – Adjunct – CFI
  • Benjamin Moore – Supplemental – Food Service Back Of House
  • Ayla Schnepp – Student – Writing Center Reader