Aug 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Entrance (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus is substantially complete and ready for the Fall 2020 semester. The building is now open to NMC employees and students after receiving its letter of occupancy from the state fire marshal.
The building’s Hawk Owl Café food court is expected to open by Thursday, August 20 for the college’s Welcome Weekend for new and returning students, following a July 29 county health department inspection.
The building will be limited to about 50 percent of its maximum capacity for now, along with other NMC facilities, as the college reopens. NMC is in Stage 2 of its 4-Stage Reopening Plan, which allows employees and students on campus Monday through Thursday and others on campus by appointment.
Due to stay-at-home orders caused by the coronavirus pandemic, work on the building was paused for a month beginning March 24. As restrictions eased, outdoor landscaping work began April 24. Construction on the building itself resumed May 7. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the 54,000-square-foot facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9. Radio station WNMC will follow later this summer.
Atrium (download a high-resolution version here)Work on the $14.4 million project began in the late summer of 2018. The project combines state investments of more than $7 million for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a multi-story facility with innovative and transformative learning environments and multiple academic and simulation spaces. An additional $6 million was involved in moving the library from its location in the Osterlin Building to the building and constructing that part of the building, where it will offer expanded services and hours.
The project has received extensive campus, community and legislative support. NMC is planning a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony and tour during the fall semester.
Release date: August 5, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
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
Aug 5, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Entrance (download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus is substantially complete and ready for the Fall 2020 semester. The building is now open to NMC employees and students after receiving its letter of occupancy from the state fire marshal.
The building’s Hawk Owl Café food court is expected to open by Thursday, August 20 for the college’s Welcome Weekend for new and returning students, following a July 29 county health department inspection.
The building will be limited to about 50 percent of its maximum capacity for now, along with other NMC facilities, as the college reopens. NMC is in Stage 2 of its 4-Stage Reopening Plan, which allows employees and students on campus Monday through Thursday and others on campus by appointment.
Due to stay-at-home orders caused by the coronavirus pandemic, work on the building was paused for a month beginning March 24. As restrictions eased, outdoor landscaping work began April 24. Construction on the building itself resumed May 7. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the 54,000-square-foot facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9. Radio station WNMC will follow later this summer.
Atrium (download a high-resolution version here)Work on the $14.4 million project began in the late summer of 2018. The project combines state investments of more than $7 million for important renovations and modernizations of the 50-year-old West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a multi-story facility with innovative and transformative learning environments and multiple academic and simulation spaces. An additional $6 million was involved in moving the library from its location in the Osterlin Building to the building and constructing that part of the building, where it will offer expanded services and hours.
The project has received extensive campus, community and legislative support. NMC is planning a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony and tour during the fall semester.
Release date: August 5, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
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
Aug 4, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College student Alexandra Swainston is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2020 Coca-Cola Military Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The honorees are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential by a panel of independent judges from nearly 700 applicants, nationwide.
The Leaders of Promise Scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, awards 200 scholarships annually – 25 of which are earmarked for Society members who are active personnel or veterans of the U.S. Military. The program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
“Alex has impressed me on so many levels including academic performance, leadership, service and her amazing resilience and grit. Most of all, I appreciate her positive spirit and ‘all in’ engagement with our college and community,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “This is a wonderful, and well deserved recognition of her academic achievement and leadership.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
Release date: August 4, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
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
Aug 4, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College student Alexandra Swainston is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2020 Coca-Cola Military Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The honorees are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential by a panel of independent judges from nearly 700 applicants, nationwide.
The Leaders of Promise Scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, awards 200 scholarships annually – 25 of which are earmarked for Society members who are active personnel or veterans of the U.S. Military. The program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
“Alex has impressed me on so many levels including academic performance, leadership, service and her amazing resilience and grit. Most of all, I appreciate her positive spirit and ‘all in’ engagement with our college and community,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “This is a wonderful, and well deserved recognition of her academic achievement and leadership.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
Release date: August 4, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
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
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Thank you to all who joined us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our 2020 graduates at last week’s Drive-Thru Celebration!
And a big thank you to our Student Success Center, Student Life Office, NMC Bookstore, Records and Registration Office, and NMC Foundation for organizing the festivities.
Check out a photo gallery of the 2020 graduates and their friends and family members who came out for the celebration here.
Aug 3, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to donors and volunteers for stepping up to support NMC students and our entire campus. Donors made more than 1,300 gifts this spring to support students and programs in need — the second highest donor number ever recorded at the NMC Foundation. This support allowed the Foundation Board to pledge an additional $1 million to the college during this challenging year.
Thank you, also, to the volunteers of the Scholarship Open Committee, who reworked the event to accommodate current health guidelines. The 2020 Scholarship Open, in memory of Jim Beckett, will be held this Thursday, Aug. 6 with more than 200 participants and is one of the college’s most important fundraising events, raising over $100,000. You can still register to golf or support the Scholarship Open today at nmc.edu/golf.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Advising Center is offering virtual “drop-in” advising to help with Fall registration.
Drop in to our open Zoom advising sessions:
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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.
A 65-year tradition ends for NMC
Record-Eagle, July 31
Record-Eagle, July 30
The Ticker, July 30
9&10 News, July 30 (more…)
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom
At a July meeting of the Michigan Community College Association’s Board of Trustees, NMC Board of Trustees Chair Chris M. Bott was elected as Chair of the Trustees Committee for the statewide organization, further highlighting NMC’s leadership in the community and throughout Michigan.
Congratulations and thank you, Chris!
Jul 30, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — After 65 years and nearly $2 million of projects funded, Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson Foundation have made the decision that 2020 will be the final year of the NMC BBQ event. The College and the Oleson Foundation remain dedicated to supporting students and continuing the community connection established through the event’s proud history.
“We’ve come a long way in 65 years since the Oleson family and the community first joined together to help build our community’s college. We have accomplished much and our college and region have grown and changed considerably over the years,” said Brad Oleson, NMC BBQ committee member. “As we reflect on that success, we feel now is a great opportunity to look toward the future for new ways to support the college as our students’ needs, and our community, continue to grow and change. We celebrate what we have done together and are excited to extend that path into the future to benefit our students, our college and our community for years to come.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Oleson family’s commitment to Northwestern Michigan College. Our college might not be here today if it wasn’t for their vision and dedication,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “The Olesons and the BBQ not only rallied support and resources over the years, but allowed us to open our campus to the community to celebrate all that we’ve done together for our students. I am confident we will continue the spirit of the BBQ and Oleson family for many years to come and I look forward to it.”
While the traditional BBQ event will not be returning, the College would like to host a celebration for volunteers, supporters and community members when it is safe to do so in the future.
Since the BBQ first began, there are now a wide variety of ways for the community to learn about, engage with and support the college including through the NMC Foundation, advisory boards, volunteer positions and more.
The Oleson Foundation has pledged to continue their support for the college and its students, just as they have for nearly thirty years. Most recently the Oleson Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to NMC’s new Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Marty Oleson will also continue to serve on the NMC Foundation Board.
The NMC BBQ Committee established an endowed scholarship in 2015 that will provide scholarship support in perpetuity for local students with financial need.
The last in-person NMC BBQ was Sunday, May 19, 2019. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a virtual NMC BBQ was held in 2020. For more information on the history of the event, images from the archives and list of funded projects, please visit nmc.edu/BBQ.
Release date: July 30, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (m)
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
Jul 30, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important news to share with you about one of our college’s oldest traditions. After 65 years and nearly $2 million of projects funded, Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson Foundation have made the decision that 2020 will be the final year of the NMC BBQ event. Despite the change, the Oleson Foundation remains dedicated to supporting our students and the College will continue the strong community connection established through the event’s proud history.
Throughout the decades, many of you have given countless hours of your time, in all kinds of weather (including snow, occasionally) to make the BBQ a success. For years, it served as an “open house” where we could invite our neighbors, friends and family to come to our college and see the amazing people, programs and places that make us all so proud. Thank you for that work. It is because of you that the connection to our community, and the support of our College and students remains strong today.
“We’ve come a long way in 65 years since the Oleson family and the community first joined together to help build our community’s college. We have accomplished much and our college and region have grown and changed considerably over the years,” said Brad Oleson, NMC BBQ committee member. “As we reflect on that success, we feel now is a great opportunity to look toward the future for new ways to support the college as our students’ needs, and our community, continue to grow and change. We celebrate what we have done together and are excited to extend that path into the future to benefit our students, our college and our community for years to come.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Oleson family’s commitment to Northwestern Michigan College. Our college might not be here today if it wasn’t for their vision and dedication,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “The Olesons and the BBQ not only rallied support and resources over the years, but allowed us to open our campus to the community to celebrate all that we’ve done together for our students. I am confident we will continue the spirit of the BBQ and Oleson family for many years to come and I look forward to it.”
While the traditional BBQ event will not be returning, the College would like to host a celebration for volunteers, supporters and community members when it is safe to do so in the future.
Since the BBQ first began, there are now a wide variety of ways for the community to learn about, engage with and support the college including through the NMC Foundation, advisory boards, volunteer positions and more.
The Oleson Foundation has pledged to continue their support for the college and its students, just as they have for nearly thirty years. Most recently the Oleson Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to NMC’s new West Hall Innovation Center. Marty Oleson will also continue to serve on the NMC Foundation Board.
The NMC BBQ Committee established an endowed scholarship in 2015 that will provide scholarship support in perpetuity for local students with financial need.
Since the BBQ began, you have developed new ways to connect with our community and to support our students and we are excited to continue that important work together as a college and celebrate with you along the way.
With sincere gratitude,
Diana Fairbanks
Jul 29, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s main campus will be used as a city polling place for Precinct 9 voters again this year, including on Tuesday, August 4. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
Masks will be provided for people who don’t have them but would like one, sneeze guards will be in place within the polling place where voters and election workers most interact, items will be sanitized and social distancing signs will be in place.
The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, August 5.
Jul 27, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
New and returning NMC students will be welcomed back to campus Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Wednesday, Aug. 26 with a series of free socially distanced and virtual events. Students will be moving into East and North Halls Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23. Learn more and see the schedule events here.
Jul 27, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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.
NMC Innovation Center has soft opening
Record-Eagle, July 22 (more…)
Jul 27, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to Residence Life staff Lisa Eiden, Amari McGee, Charles (CJ) Schneider and paraprofessional (student) staff Keith Kasper, Kishion Bragg and Monte White, who have been working with Associate Dean of Campus and Residence Life Marcus Bennett to help the dozens of students and interns who have called NMC home since early May. Staff has worked to ensure their stay in the residence halls has been an enjoyable one, and are working on plans to ensure that Fall 2020 is a success as well.
East Hall and North Hall are slated to be home to more than 100 students each in Fall 2020, as new and returning NMC students are welcomed back to campus Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Wednesday, Aug. 26 with a series of free socially distanced and virtual events.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 24, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Honoree’s Name: Melissa Sprenkle
Honoree’s Dept./Division: English
Reason for Kudos: Melissa showcased her passion for teaching excellence at the BOT meeting this week! Her students are not only engaged and learning about English but also important social issues in our community and world. Your presentation was inspiring and NMC is lucky to have such a passionate, creative, and thoughtful faculty member! Thank you for taking the time to share!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jul 20, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to all of the NMC employees who have worked hard to retool and reopen their programs so students can keep learning while working to keep them safe, including those in Aviation, Culinary, Dental, Maritime, Police Academy and at the Dennos Museum Center.
As one example, Culinary Director Les Eckert noted that Patty Cron-Huhta and Mike Skarupinski set up new COVID-19 safety protocols for the baking lab and dining room for Cafe Lobdell’s. Program staff also worked with Facilities to ensure all sanitizing supplies are available for cleaning during and after Cafe Lobdell’s operating hours. The moves enabled Cafe Operations students to make up a spring lab class and to ensure a timely end of summer graduation.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 20, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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.
Great Lakes Maritime cadet tests positive for COVID-19 in self-quarantine
UpNorthLive, July 16
The Ticker, July 16
9&10 News, July 15 (more…)
