TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the campus and community to attend its annual Veterans Day ceremonies beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will include:
The three-volley salute will commence shortly after the flag is raised, between 9 and 10 a.m. The Three-Volley Salute, accompanied by the playing of Taps, is performed in honor of veterans/soldiers who are no longer with us. This is an important ceremony for veterans as they honor all those who came before them, served alongside them, and gave their lives in the line of duty. These are blank rounds (gun powder in a copper casing) with no actual bullet being fired.
Serving those who have served is a year-round priority for NMC. About 5 percent of students are either veterans or active-duty military. NMC has many services specifically designed for veteran student success, including veteran-specific scholarships and opportunities to convert military service to academic credit. Find out more at nmc.edu/veterans.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
The library will conclude its Curiosities Shorts Fest program with a screening of several shorts on Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. Join us for pizza, popcorn, good films and good company!
Films shown will be a handful of participant favorites selected from the 12 films watched during the discussion series.
Free to attend, all are welcome, no advance registration required.
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students and Goodwill Northern Michigan on the 7th annual Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 12-20, and brings together students and community partners to raise awareness about the increasing affordability crisis in Northwest Michigan. Lasting about two hours, the guided walk through downtown Traverse City illuminates the problems of food insecurity and homelessness. Along the route, participants will stop to hear stories from service providers about their efforts to mitigate these problems in region.
The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices. Community partners include the organization National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Goodwill NM, Northern Michigan Supportive Housing, Jubilee House, Central United Methodist Breakfast program, Food Rescue of Northern Michigan, Traverse City Police Department, Safe Harbor, and the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.
NMC’s Great Lakes campus is located at 715 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
TRAVERSE CITY — A new, $30 million state scholarship fund to train more police officers is coinciding with major changes to NMC’s Police Academy, setting up an enrollment- to- employment pipeline that will ultimately benefit community safety.
Announced last month, the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program was established to help address the critical need for additional police officers statewide by reducing or eliminating the cost associated with basic police training. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for up to $20,000 per recruit for tuition and other training costs, plus $4,000 in salary.
“It serves both the agency and the student,” NMC Police Academy director Gail Kurowski. “There are a lot of people that might be considering a career in law enforcement that don’t have the financial wherewithal to put themselves through a program.”
Grand Traverse County Undersheriff Mike Shea said that will be a boost to his department, which earlier this year had 10 vacancies in the patrol division. He recently attended the Michigan Sheriffs Association conference and of the 70 counties represented, all but one or two were struggling with vacancies.
“We are bleeding police officers. They are leaving the profession at an alarming rate,” said Shea, a 2005 NMC Police Academy alumnus himself.
Applications are now open for agencies who intend to enroll recruits in an academy session beginning after January 1. Next fall is also when NMC debuts a new, four-month structure for its academy. That cuts in half the current time needed to complete the program and will allow NMC to better compete for students it might have previously lost to condensed academies.
“The 16-week program is going to be huge,” said Shea, who already has a candidate in mind as Grand Traverse County’s first employed recruit to start next fall.
NMC is also the only academy to offer drone certification to its recruits, and far exceeds the minimum requirement for scenario training, which simulates real-world situations, set by MCOLES, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
“We are going to have over 60 hours of scenario training,” Kurowski said. “That is huge. There is no academy in Michigan that’s going to have that.”
The $20,000 per recruit would more than cover NMC’s tuition. NMC is also the northernmost academy in the lower peninsula, making it an attractive option for agencies regionwide, as well as the UP.
Shea said another plus is that NMC’s instructors are all either law enforcement officers or attorneys.
“There is no one better to teach than those who are living it,” he said.
For more information on NMC’s program, visit nmc.edu/police.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students and Goodwill Northern Michigan on the 7th annual Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them, departing from NMC’s Great Lakes campus parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.
The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 12-20, and brings together students and community partners to raise awareness about the increasing affordability crisis in Northwest Michigan. Lasting about two hours, the guided walk through downtown Traverse City illuminates the problems of food insecurity and homelessness. Along the route, participants will stop to hear stories from service providers about their efforts to mitigate these problems in region.
The walk is an example of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices. Community partners include the organization National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Goodwill NM, Northern Michigan Supportive Housing, Jubilee House, Central United Methodist Breakfast program, Food Rescue of Northern Michigan, Traverse City Police Department, Safe Harbor, and the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.
NMC’s Great Lakes campus is located at 715 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
TRAVERSE CITY — Northern Michigan 2023 high school graduates can lower their bill at NMC by thousands of dollars by applying for the newly-created Michigan Achievement Scholarship online.
NMC’s Office of Financial Aid estimates that up to 200 area high school graduates could qualify for Michigan Achievement, and NMC could award between $300,000–$400,000.
“We are thrilled to offer high school graduates this opportunity, on top of the more than $1 million in donor-created scholarships NMC already offers,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
Created by bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month, the Achievement Scholarship makes 2023 graduates eligible for annual scholarships at Michigan colleges and universities in amounts up to:
Savings is dependent upon demonstrated financial need on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Proportionate to actual tuition cost, students taking advantage of the scholarship to attend community colleges will receive the most value. At NMC, for instance, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship would more than cover half a year’s tuition for Grand Traverse County residents.
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is expected to cover 94 percent of students attending community college, 79 percent of students attending a private college or university, and 76 percent of students attending a public university.
Besides making college more affordable for families, the scholarship was created to grow Michigan’s talent pool, and get the state closer to achieving its Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. NMC also participates in the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, a state program that offers free in-district tuition (Grand Traverse County residents) to adults 25 and over who do not already have a college degree or certificate.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
Campus Life will be hosting a volleyball tournament on Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Center. This tournament is open to all NMC staff, students and faculty.
The deadline to sign up is November 16.
For any questions or concerns please reach out to Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northern Michigan 2023 high school graduates can lower their bill at NMC by thousands of dollars by applying for the newly-created Michigan Achievement Scholarship online.
NMC’s Office of Financial Aid estimates that up to 200 area high school graduates could qualify for Michigan Achievement, and NMC could award between $300,000–$400,000.
“We are thrilled to offer high school graduates this opportunity, on top of the more than $1 million in donor-created scholarships NMC already offers,” said NMC President Nick Nissley.
Created by bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month, the Achievement Scholarship makes 2023 graduates eligible for annual scholarships at Michigan colleges and universities in amounts up to:
Savings is dependent upon demonstrated financial need on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Proportionate to actual tuition cost, students taking advantage of the scholarship to attend community colleges will receive the most value. At NMC, for instance, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship would more than cover half a year’s tuition for Grand Traverse County residents.
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is expected to cover 94 percent of students attending community college, 79 percent of students attending a private college or university, and 76 percent of students attending a public university.
Besides making college more affordable for families, the scholarship was created to grow Michigan’s talent pool, and get the state closer to achieving its Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. NMC also participates in the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, a state program that offers free in-district tuition (Grand Traverse County residents) to adults 25 and over who do not already have a college degree or certificate.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family over a meal this Thanksgiving. To make sure we can all share in this important tradition I am asking for your help.
Recently, instructor, Kristy McDonald, invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills, while making a real difference in the lives of others in our community – literally, helping feed the hungry (and, affording a bit of Thanksgiving joy).
They believe everyone should get to experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts and fill the red bins by November 14. You can donate as an individual, or join together with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! Red collection bins are located at the lobby of the following buildings: Osterlin Building, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen, and the Great Lakes Campus. The class aims to collect:
Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes; including Red Wings tickets, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, passes to Bay Meadows family golf course (including cart fees), and other local prizes.
Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Food For Thought.”) In addition, a private donor has pledged to match monetary contributions up to $5,000. Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students. Employees can also help a student apply for a free meal by completing this Google Form (NMC Food for Thought Form).
Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know first hand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information, or if you have any questions, please email Michael Wittman at wittmam@mail.nmc.edu.
Thank you for your help. Together we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick Nissley, President
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s main campus will be used as a polling place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8 for Precinct 9 voters to cast their ballots in the general election. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, November 9.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up quick access to your NMC Email on your Android or iOS device.
TRAVERSE CITY — A new, $30 million state scholarship fund to train more police officers is coinciding with major changes to NMC’s Police Academy, setting up an enrollment- to- employment pipeline that will ultimately benefit community safety.
Announced last month, the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program was established to help address the critical need for additional police officers statewide by reducing or eliminating the cost associated with basic police training. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for up to $20,000 per recruit for tuition and other training costs, plus $4,000 in salary.
“It serves both the agency and the student,” NMC Police Academy director Gail Kurowski. “There are a lot of people that might be considering a career in law enforcement that don’t have the financial wherewithal to put themselves through a program.”
Grand Traverse County Undersheriff Mike Shea said that will be a boost to his department, which earlier this year had 10 vacancies in the patrol division. He recently attended the Michigan Sheriffs Association conference and of the 70 counties represented, all but one or two were struggling with vacancies.
“We are bleeding police officers. They are leaving the profession at an alarming rate,” said Shea, a 2005 NMC Police Academy alumnus himself.
Applications are now open for agencies who intend to enroll recruits in an academy session beginning after January 1. Next fall is also when NMC debuts a new, four-month structure for its academy. That cuts in half the current time needed to complete the program and will allow NMC to better compete for students it might have previously lost to condensed academies.
“The 16-week program is going to be huge,” said Shea, who already has a candidate in mind as Grand Traverse County’s first employed recruit to start next fall.
NMC is also the only academy to offer drone certification to its recruits, and far exceeds the minimum requirement for scenario training, which simulates real-world situations, set by MCOLES, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
“We are going to have over 60 hours of scenario training,” Kurowski said. “That is huge. There is no academy in Michigan that’s going to have that.”
The $20,000 per recruit would more than cover NMC’s tuition. NMC is also the northernmost academy in the lower peninsula, making it an attractive option for agencies regionwide, as well as the UP.
Shea said another plus is that NMC’s instructors are all either law enforcement officers or attorneys.
“There is no one better to teach than those who are living it,” he said.
For more information on NMC’s program, visit nmc.edu/police.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
TRAVERSE CITY — Five education and nonprofit partners this week announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Freshwater Research and Innovation Center on West Grand Traverse Bay on the current site of the Discovery Center & Pier.
The five partners are the Discovery Center & Pier, Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect and 20Fathoms.
Once complete, the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will establish the Grand Traverse region as a hub for applied freshwater innovation offering research, education, commercialization, incubation, and acceleration programs. Phase 1 of development is currently underway and includes fundraising, pier development, campus design and planning, and governance.
Each partner brings expertise and resources to the effort.
Discovery Center
“The Discovery Center will serve as the conduit between the community and the research, educational opportunities and activities at the Center,” said Matt McDonough, CEO of the Discovery Center.
The Discovery Center will develop public-facing programs highlighting the research underway, new technologies being developed at the Center, and the academic programs in marine technology and freshwater sciences available at NMC and MTU. “Our goal will be to educate the public about what is happening at the Center and inspire tomorrow’s workforce,” said McDonough.
Michigan Tech
As established regional leaders in freshwater research and education, Michigan Tech will help develop marine technology and operations plans for the new center in Traverse City. Additionally, the university will collaborate on research projects, workforce development programming and professional development projects that will highlight the freshwater science and technology developed by Tech and other partners. Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek believes the new center in Traverse City is a perfect complement to the world-class work already being done by the university at its Great Lakes Research Center in Houghton and at the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor.
“We are delighted to continue growing our partnership with the Greater Traverse region,” said Koubek, who was first to sign the memorandum of understanding between the five partners. “This latest MOU supports our mutual commitment to advancing research focused on the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
Northwestern Michigan College
“NMC views the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center as an accelerator for our strategic plan goals related to the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives.
Slade noted that NMC has been active in academic programming and professional development training in all focus areas of the new collaboration, including autonomous and remote technology, freshwater and marine technologies and emerging environmental technologies.The Center will also provide experiential learning opportunities for NMC students and research projects for students in NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology.
Traverse Connect
Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region and supports business growth and development by encouraging the growth of our existing assets – healthy partner relationships, the scaling up of our existing companies – and attracting new business.
“The development of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will ensure that the Grand Traverse region is well positioned to be the global epicenter for freshwater research, industry, and innovation,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “The partnership of key educational institutions and nonprofit organizations will generate tremendous economic opportunity for our region by attracting entrepreneurs and innovators working to protect and improve the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
20Fathoms
20Fathoms is a tech startup incubator and coworking space in Traverse City, providing resources to help entrepreneurs and tech professionals grow their businesses and careers. The organization plans to locate their incubation program in the innovation center when complete.
“The innovation center in Traverse City will support emerging startups drive the commercialization of freshwater and marine technology applications that solve problems affecting the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems throughout the world,” said Eric Roberts, Executive Director of 20Fathoms. “This is a strong partnership with Michigan Tech, NMC, Discovery Pier, and Traverse Connect, and we’re all working together to create something that our community will be proud of.”
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
TRAVERSE CITY — Five education and nonprofit partners this week announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Freshwater Research and Innovation Center on West Grand Traverse Bay on the current site of the Discovery Center & Pier.
The five partners are the Discovery Center & Pier, Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect and 20Fathoms.
Once complete, the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will establish the Grand Traverse region as a hub for applied freshwater innovation offering research, education, commercialization, incubation, and acceleration programs. Phase 1 of development is currently underway and includes fundraising, pier development, campus design and planning, and governance.
Each partner brings expertise and resources to the effort.
Discovery Center
“The Discovery Center will serve as the conduit between the community and the research, educational opportunities and activities at the Center,” said Matt McDonough, CEO of the Discovery Center.
The Discovery Center will develop public-facing programs highlighting the research underway, new technologies being developed at the Center, and the academic programs in marine technology and freshwater sciences available at NMC and MTU. “Our goal will be to educate the public about what is happening at the Center and inspire tomorrow’s workforce,” said McDonough.
Michigan Tech
As established regional leaders in freshwater research and education, Michigan Tech will help develop marine technology and operations plans for the new center in Traverse City. Additionally, the university will collaborate on research projects, workforce development programming and professional development projects that will highlight the freshwater science and technology developed by Tech and other partners. Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek believes the new center in Traverse City is a perfect complement to the world-class work already being done by the university at its Great Lakes Research Center in Houghton and at the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor.
“We are delighted to continue growing our partnership with the Greater Traverse region,” said Koubek, who was first to sign the memorandum of understanding between the five partners. “This latest MOU supports our mutual commitment to advancing research focused on the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
Northwestern Michigan College
“NMC views the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center as an accelerator for our strategic plan goals related to the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives.
Slade noted that NMC has been active in academic programming and professional development training in all focus areas of the new collaboration, including autonomous and remote technology, freshwater and marine technologies and emerging environmental technologies.The Center will also provide experiential learning opportunities for NMC students and research projects for students in NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology.
Traverse Connect
Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region and supports business growth and development by encouraging the growth of our existing assets – healthy partner relationships, the scaling up of our existing companies – and attracting new business.
“The development of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will ensure that the Grand Traverse region is well positioned to be the global epicenter for freshwater research, industry, and innovation,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “The partnership of key educational institutions and nonprofit organizations will generate tremendous economic opportunity for our region by attracting entrepreneurs and innovators working to protect and improve the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
20Fathoms
20Fathoms is a tech startup incubator and coworking space in Traverse City, providing resources to help entrepreneurs and tech professionals grow their businesses and careers. The organization plans to locate their incubation program in the innovation center when complete.
“The innovation center in Traverse City will support emerging startups drive the commercialization of freshwater and marine technology applications that solve problems affecting the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems throughout the world,” said Eric Roberts, Executive Director of 20Fathoms. “This is a strong partnership with Michigan Tech, NMC, Discovery Pier, and Traverse Connect, and we’re all working together to create something that our community will be proud of.”
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
We warmly invite you to kick-off your holiday shopping and support local and Michigan artists at our beloved 23rd annual Holiday Artist Market on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Engage with over 30 artists, shop unique gifts and fine art, and stroll through our exhibits during these free museum days.
From traditional paintings to eye-catching ceramics and accessories made from textiles, metals, glass and more, there is truly a gift to be found for everyone. The Museum Store’s festive holiday display will feature handmade ornaments, art objects made by local artists, holiday cards, 2023 calendars and Fair Trade gifts crafted by artisans around the world.
This year’s juried market features some changes that past market-goers will want to make note of. Artists will be handling all of their own sales in our Sculpture Court and Janis Room so come prepared to make your purchases at each booth.
Members, NMC staff and students receive their 10% discount on all purchases made in the store.
Kudos to Duane Dodge: The advising department unexpectedly had several staff members out this past week and we had to lean on Duane to hold down the fort. We are grateful to be able to rely on him always, especially times like this, and one of our busiest weeks! He went with the flow and helped us continue to help our students seamlessly. Thank you Duane for your dedication!
Kudos to Erika Cotner and Brittany Hanbury: Thank you for doing such a terrific job with the curatorial search for DMC. We sincerely appreciate your efforts in helping us make it the best possible process for our candidates!
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!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC Community!