May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Children’s Choir will hold placement auditions for third through ninth graders this week in the NMC Fine Arts Building, room 102. There are two options:
- Thursday, September 7, 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Families can schedule a 5-minute audition time slot on either date online at http://www.nmcchildrenschoir.com/. The audition involves singing the first verse of “America the Beautiful” and performing simple vocal exercises. Student placement in one of the six choirs depends on both chronological age and musical and vocal readiness. Children in grades K-2 do not need to audition. Rehearsals begin Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Founded in 1990, the NMCC consists of six choirs involving over two hundred singers from kindergarten through the ninth grade. Performances are held several times a year. For more information, visit nmcchildrenschoir.com.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — College-bound students can explore their options at more than 45 colleges and universities at two free events set for Oct. 11 in Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on main campus.
2023 College Night: 6–8 p.m. This event is aimed at current high school students making post-graduation educational plans. Information on NMC dual enrollment and Early College, which allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at no cost while still attending high school, will be available, plus scholarship and financial aid information.
New this year, students are required to preregister. Visit nmc.edu/collegenight or www.strivefair.com
See participating schools.
2023 Transfer Fair: Held from noon–2 p.m., this event is aimed primarily at current NMC students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree. See participating schools.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Professional Communications students are helping local families this Thanksgiving with the tenth annual Food for Thought Thanks-for-Giving experiential learning project.
Student goals are to improve their professional communication skills through experiential learning and to help their community by donating 125 boxed Thanksgiving day dinners for families to take home and cook. The class is partnering with the NMC Food Pantry and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan to donate to NMC student families and families in the Traverse City community. Boxes will be distributed at the NMC gym on November 20.
“It feels good to know that we’re serving the community and learning at the same time, instead of taking this class solely for the purpose of getting the credits we need to graduate,” said student Meredith Kilbourn.
Donations are being collected in a month-long drive where donors have the chance to win prizes like a weekend stay at the Delamar Hotel, an Elev8 family climbing package, a wine tasting for six at Chateau Chantal, and other prizes by donating $10 or more at nmc.edu/give. (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to other,” and type in “Thanks For Giving.”) Donors can only enter the prize drawing once. Winners will be announced after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Community members also have the option to donate at a glow skate event hosted by the NMC class on November 3 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Howe Ice Arena in the Traverse City Civic Center. The glow skate will be $10 to enter and $5 to rent ice skates.
The final option to assist in their efforts would be to donate pop cans in their marked bins, found in NMC’s North Hall, East Hall, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center and Parsons-Stulen Building. The bins will be collected twice a week from now until November 13. Pick-up/drop-off options are available by contacting one of the individuals below.
Release date: OCTOBER 18, 2023
For more information:
Isabella Cronk
Marketing Leader
(231) 649-3534
Cronki@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 995-1059
Kmcdonald@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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
11/1/23 UPDATE: NMC’s pitch won $5,000 with another $35,000 pending completion of a feasibility study by March 2024.
TRAVERSE CITY — An NMC team is competing today for a prize that would allow the college to update its construction technology curriculum to include potentially revolutionary 3D wall printing capability.
NMC’s team is among six finalists at today’s National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship Pitch for the Trades competition in Nashville, Tenn. Construction Coordinator Carolyn Andrews and two members of NMC’s Office of Possibilities (OOPS)are seeking the maximum $50,000 prize for a 3D printer and supporting materials to make building homes more affordable, sustainable and faster.
“We are asking for that money to help us introduce 3D printing homes into our curriculum,” Andrews said. “We need to do whatever we can to solve some of this housing crisis and labor shortage.”
Through 2027, the Grand Traverse region has a housing gap of more than 31,000 units according to Housing North, a nonprofit housing advocate. More than 22,000 for sale units are needed and 8,800 rental units. In both categories, lower-priced housing is in the highest demand.
3D printing accomplishes this by using a robotic arm to build a programmed wall from a single material like concrete. Andrews said a single-story home could be printed in a day with three people. A traditional stick frame home would require a bigger crew and take multiple days or weeks, which increases the cost.
“You’re getting something done a lot more efficiently with less people,” she said.
In addition, materials like concrete are much less vulnerable to threats like hurricanes, flooding, and fires, which are becoming increasingly common with climate change.
“It’s actually a better home than your traditionally-framed home,” Andrews said.
NMC students will get their first chance to try the technology this fall when they join pitch team member Al Everett’s private company, Thrive TC, to build the region’s first 3D-printed home. It will break ground in November, Andrews said.
“We want students out there,” Andrews said. “We’ve been building the same way we have been since the 50s. Change is scary, and we haven’t embraced technology like we should.”
To advance to today’s finals, Andrews, Everett and Will Kitchen, also of OOPS, delivered a virtual pitch earlier this month. The idea is backed by leaders from both the Michigan and Grand Traverse area Home Builders Association, Andrews said.
“They are in strong support of it,” she said.
Andrews also thinks it will boost NMC enrollment.
“The fact that we’re embracing technology and giving students a unique opportunity for a specific skill, that’s going to set them apart for higher paying jobs,” she said.
NMC has budgeted $35,000 for a printer that utilizes a 3D robotic arm to create panelized walls, $10,000 for curriculum development and faculty training, and $5,000 for innovation mindset credential development and ecosystem support
Pitch results are expected Tuesday morning. The judges have discretion on how to divide a $150,000 prize pot among the six finalists.
“As an optimist, I believe we will make a positive impression and have a good chance of coming back with something,” said Kitchen, a founder of OOPS.
Release date: October 30, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (call or text)
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Event gets students hands-on with skilled trades career opportunities
TRAVERSE CITY –Some 450 area middle and high school students will have a chance to “try a trade” when NMC hosts the annual Building Tomorrow event Thursday Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6 at the Aero Park Laboratories building.
Set for 9 a.m.–2 p.m. both days, the event is a hands-on experience for students to explore a career in the skilled trades. Students will rotate through several stations including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, automotive, welding and excavation site work.
Aero Park Laboratories is located at 2525 Aero Park Dr. on NMC’s Aero Park campus.
There is strong employer demand for skilled trades workers. A 2021 regional skills gap study found that it faced the greatest hiring challenges of any labor segment, with a third of northwest Michigan employers reporting difficulty hiring people with necessary skills.
NMC offers both degrees and certificates in automotive technology, construction technology, engineering technology, manufacturing technology, renewable energy technology, surveying and welding technology. In all technical programs, enrollments are limited to maximize students’ access to the most current technology and industry-knowledgeable instructors. Technical curriculum is reviewed and approved by local advisory committees.
Release Date: October 3, 2023
For more information:
Carolyn Andrews
NMC Technical Division
(231) 995-2803
candrews@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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Gene Jenneman
( Download a high-resolution photo) 
Brad Oleson
( Download a high-resolution photo) 
D.J. Oleson
( Download a high-resolution photo) 
Marty Oleson
( Download a high-resolution photo) TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, the NMC Fellow award, has been bestowed for 2023 on Gene Jenneman and Brad, D.J. and Marty Oleson, all of Traverse City.
Jenneman was the first director of NMC’s Dennos Museum Center. The Olesons — siblings Brad and D.J. and cousin Marty — are the third generation of the family whose financial and volunteer support for NMC spans all eight decades of its existence.
Appointed as Dennos director before the museum even opened in 1991, Jenneman led the museum until his retirement in 2019. His mission was to bring the world to Traverse City via the art exhibited in the galleries and performed in Milliken Auditorium. His culminating achievement was a 15,000 square foot expansion completed in 2017, which nearly doubled the museum’s exhibition space. The new galleries showcase pieces from the permanent collection that Jenneman acquired over 30 years, as well as the Dennos’ signature Inuit art collection. One of the permanent collection galleries bears his name.
The Oleson trio carried on the NMC Barbecue tradition started in 1956 by their grandparents, Jerry and Frances Oleson, until it concluded in 2020 after raising nearly $2 million for college projects. Marty Oleson is a member of the NMC Foundation Board, appointed in 2010. She served on the annual campaign and alumni committees, as well as the Innovation Grants Committee, now known as the Office of Possibilities Committee. Brad Oleson was the Oleson family representative on the Barbecue Board for decades. He helped engineer many improvements through the years and was a tremendous stabilizing force. He was typically the first to arrive and the last to leave every Barbecue Day.
D.J. sits at the helm of Oleson’s Corporation and was recently chair of the Michigan Grocer’s Association. His internal leadership with the business helps make it possible for the Oleson legacy to live on as he cheers his sibling Brad and cousin Marty in their community-facing roles.
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded annually since 1964. Fellows may be nominated because they have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College, have demonstrated a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the College continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors. Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination.
See a list of past recipients here.
Release date: March 31, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 927 students who made the spring semester Dean’s List, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
Release date: May 22, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2023 will be held Saturday, May 6 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m. : Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 1 p.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 2:30 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live starting at 2 p.m. at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
About 200 graduates are expected to participate in the three ceremonies. More than 600 degrees and certificates will be awarded this spring, including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing. Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology will also be awarded. In addition to the main ceremonies, specific events are also held for Maritime, Nursing and Police Academy graduates.
NMC will also hold its annual Honors Convocation at 5:30 p.m. May 5 at the Dennos Museum Center. The event honors winners of the annual Academic Area scholarships, honors scholarships and Adult Student of the Year.
Release date: May 2, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (mobile – text preferred)
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Forty-eight cadets from Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy plus a chef intern from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute will depart aboard the T/S State of Michigan on the first of three training cruises this Saturday, May 20. The ship is expected to depart the Great Lakes campus harbor at 6 p.m.
The training ship will be at sea through Oct. 27, providing an opportunity for about 110 cadets to earn required sea time. Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program. GLMA and GLCI have also collaborated for several years to offer internships to NMC culinary students during the sailing season. GLCI students who have completed an underway internship are in high demand by the shipping industry. A Culinary Maritime certificate that will expand opportunities for students in this specialty area will be offered in Fall 2023.
As one of only six state maritime academies, Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release date: May 17, 2023
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@nmc.edu
Editors: For departure time updates on Saturday, contact Chuck Miller at (702) 281-1063.
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College professional communications students are organizing and hosting the eighth annual Big Little Hero Race and the Future Generation Celebration Music Festival on NMC’s main campus on Saturday, April 22.
Both events are an experiential learning project to raise funds towards NMC College for Kids scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Last year’s event raised $5,000 for scholarships. Participants are encouraged to come in their favorite superhero costumes. Following the races there will be children’s games, a silent auction, food, and new this year, the Future Generation Celebration music festival.
The Big Little Hero Race includes three races which all start on NMC’s main campus:
- 1 mile fun run/walk: Free entry, includes a free superhero cape for kids
- 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
- 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
- Virtual race: $20
Every year, the Big Little Hero Race selects a local hero to honor during the race. This year’s race will honor Kari Kahler, NMC’s associate dean of Learning Services. Kahler has championed student success via mentorship throughout her lengthy NMC career. Kahler has created a program in which NMC students mentor Blair Elementary School students in an effort to support positive change in the students’ lives.
This year, the Big Little Hero Race is collaborating with NMC Audio Technology students to create the Future Generation Celebration, a free music festival organized and run by NMC students. Acts include Brotha James, Breathe Owl Breathe, and Dixon’s Violin.
Register for the Big Little Hero Race before March 20 to receive a $5 early bird discount, and before April 10 to guarantee a free event T-shirt. For more information, or to register for the race, visit biglittleherorace.com.
Release date: MARCH 7, 2023
For more information:
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Alex Grassa
BLHR Marketing Team
grassaa@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 883-8055
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is in line to receive $3.75 million in state funds to expand its Aviation facilities and help address the nation’s pilot shortage. The critical investment was approved in the state’s supplemental budget Wednesday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign it in the coming days.
The funding from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will be used to renovate and expand NMC’s 47-year-old Aviation hangar and purchase additional aircraft. This will allow NMC Aviation to increase its capacity to train more pilots, as identified in the college’s strategic plan.
“This effort has been more than a year in the making. We are grateful for the support and advocacy from our state lawmakers, like Sen. John Damoose, who was a key champion of this project, as well as support from members of the house including Rep. Betsy Coffia and Rep. Curt VanderWall. They see the value in investing in NMC to meet the region’s workforce needs,” said NMC President Dr. Nick Nissley. “This is a powerful example of what we can achieve together for northern Michigan through collaboration.”
NMC must provide a 50 percent match to the state investment. The total project cost is $5 million for the hangar renovation and $2 million for the acquisition of four new, technically advanced aircraft for flight training.
“Northwestern Michigan College has a very well-respected and in-demand aviation program from both the industry and student perspectives. Our biggest challenge has been not being able to expand,” said NMC Aviation Director Alex Bloye. “Now, thanks to this investment, we can train even more exceptional pilots.”
NMC Aviation enrolls 50 students per year, but has a two-year waitlist. Graduates experience 100 percent job placement. According to Bloye, airlines are poised for their busiest year of pilot hiring in more than three decades. Airlines are reducing flights and services due to the current labor shortage. During the pandemic, 5,000 U.S. pilots took early retirement. Nearly a third of pilots are expected to retire by 2035.
The current NMC hangar, built in 1976, does not functionally support the program’s demand. This renovation project will transform the hangar into a thriving Student Aviation Center. The renovated hangar will be an innovative, functional, and secure facility to store and maintain NMC’s growing fleet of technically-advanced aircraft. It also provides for expanded simulation lab space and other student spaces for testing, studying and collaboration.
Release date: MARCH 2, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has formally partnered with Bay Mills Community College in an effort to increase the number of dental assistants serving northern Michigan, and Native American patients in particular.
In February, NMC and Bay Mills, a tribally-controlled Upper Peninsula community college in Brimley, Mich., signed an articulation agreement that will allow Bay Mills’ students to transfer to NMC’s dental assistant program after their first year. NMC’s yearlong dental assistant curriculum allows them to sit for the state exam to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). NMC Dental Assistant Director Beckie Wooters will make a recruiting visit to Bay Mills on April 17.
Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan. NMC has an outstanding pass rate history, exceeding the state of Michigan’s average in both the clinical and written portion of the exams. Since 2019, at least 96 percent of NMC graduates have passed the clinical portion.
“With a registered dental assistant, a dentist can see about 60 percent more patients. They can do more clinical procedures under the dentist’s supervision,” said Dr. Jessica Rickert, a now-retired Traverse City area dentist who hired NMC graduates in her practice.
Rickert is also the first female Native American dentist in the United States, and remains the only one in Michigan. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach,whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities. She saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.
“The scarcity of timely dental care is causing serious hardship,” Rickert said of the U.P. “They have a wonderful program at NMC. Dental assisting is such a great career, and it’s really fulfilling and it’s necessary. Let’s make this happen.”
“Our communities need more dental professionals of any kind. This seems like a really good fit,” agreed Diana McKenzie, dean of science and allied health at Bay Mills, which enrolls about 600 students. About 62 percent are Native American. Among more than 315,000 dental assistants nationwide, Rickert said only 0.7% are American Indian or Alaska Native.
Natalia Chugunov, chair of the Bay Mills science department, said she hopes the partnership can benefit tribal health centers, too.
“We try to help both the community, our college and our students,” she said.
Wooters said the agreement is another way to boost enrollment. NMC’s dental assistant program currently has 13 students, and can accommodate 24. Need is great in the lower peninsula as well, she said.
“We’re not filling the needs for all of the jobs,” said Wooters.
NMC recently invested $52,000 in new equipment for the dental assistant program. It has six fully-functioning patient rooms and some of the latest technology, including an intraoral scanner.
“After earning their associate degree and passing the RDA exam, a dental assistant can expect to begin their career making between $18 and $25 per hour,” Wooters said. A typical work week is only four days, offering flexibility. Job settings include general practice dental offices, pediatric offices, oral surgery and other specialty offices, dental labs and more.
The program has been designed with student convenience in mind. Bay Mills’ students can take their first year of general education requirements entirely online. The second year of in-person dental assistant classes is scheduled in a Tuesday-Thursday block, allowing students to spend most of their week back home in the U.P., if necessary. On-campus housing is also available at NMC.
Rickert said the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association and other sources offer scholarships to students of color.
Release date: MARCH 9, 2023
For more information:
Northwestern Michigan College
Beckie Wooters
(231) 995-1240
bwooters@nmc.edu
Bay Mills Community College
Natalia Chugunov, M.D.
Science Department Chair and Faculty
(906) 248- 8425
nchugunov@bmcc.edu
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is seeking nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Alumni awards. Nominations will be accepted through March 1.
Since 1988, Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award has recognized graduates and past students for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Nominees for this award should have demonstrated accomplishments that also reflect the NMC values of dedication to life-long learning, innovation and integrity, and respect for and collaboration with others. Recognition is not solely contingent on having received a degree or certificate from NMC, but on the achievements of the nominee and positive perspective as to the role that NMC played in their lives.
More information and the nomination form can be found on the NMC website at nmc.edu/alumni. Nominations may be submitted online. To have a paper nomination form mailed, those interested can call (231) 995-1834 or email alumni@nmc.edu.
The 2022 Outstanding Alumni recipients were Richard Gray, Dr. Annie Kritcher, and Bob Sutherland.. A complete list of past honorees may be found online. For more information about NMC’s Alumni program, visit nmc.edu/alumni.
* * * * *
Northwestern Michigan College is a publicly funded community college that serves more than 50,000 learners annually throughout the Grand Traverse region and beyond. NMC offers associate degrees, professional certificates and bachelor’s degrees. The college is home to the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and the Great Lakes Culinary Institute as well as nationally recognized aviation and unmanned systems programs. For more information, visit Northwestern Michigan College at nmc.edu.
Release date: February 6, 2023
For more information:
Carly McCall
Director of Alumni Engagement
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1834
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Current students, alumni, and the community are invited to attend Northwestern Michigan College’s 17th annual Career Fair on Thursday, March 2 at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus.
Held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest, the Career Fair runs from 3–6 p.m. (Veterans are invited to arrive at 2:30 p.m.) Nearly 70 participating employers will be recruiting for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions as well as internships and service learning. See the list at nmc.edu/career-fair.
In preparation for the event, NMC has planned two free “Navigating the Career Fair” workshops. These will be held Feb. 27 and 28 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby on main campus. These sessions will offer assistance with resume preparation, an elevator pitch and projecting confidence at the fair.
Following the Career Fair, NMC will also host two sessions on using the LinkedIn social network in a job search. These will be held March 16.
- LinkedIn 101: 10–11 a.m. For beginning users.
- Maximized LinkedIn: 1–2 p.m. For advanced users.
Both sessions will be held on main campus in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106/107. Shapiro is the director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College in New York, a freelance writer, public speaker, LinkedIn consultant and a board-certified coach specializing in career coaching. Call (231) 995-1170 or email twelch@nmc.edu or aburns@nmc.edu.
Release date: FEBRUARY 23, 2023
For more information:
Katie Sommer-Ford
NMC Advising Center
ksommer@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1040
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s “open ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. The day will include:
- Self guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
- Interaction with current maritime cadets
- An opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, maritime careers, how to become a chef on a ship and U.S. Navy commissioning options
Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.
Release date: April 5, 2023
For more information:
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
maritime@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The second annual Northwestern Michigan College Experiential Learning Institute Learning Symposium will celebrate learning from May 1–4 at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) on NMC’s main campus.
This symposium is a celebration of learning, with a variety of engaging activities and events for attendees to participate in. Throughout the event, attendees can browse poster displays and artifacts showcasing the innovative and high-impact projects that students have been working on across all academic areas at NMC. The schedule also includes:
Monday, May 1:
- Noon: Jim Bensley’s Study Abroad student panel (TJNIC Rooms 104/105)
- 1 p.m.: Brady Corcoran and Audio Technology reflections (TJNIC Rooms 104/105)
Tuesday, May 2:
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Reflective Table Talks, where attendees can stop by tables and have small group discussions with students and staff around subjects including manufacturing projects, cyber safety, Jobs for Michigan Graduates, Student Success Ambassador events, audio technology events, Home Builders Association series, and more (TJNIC Hallways)
- 1 p.m.: Caroline Schaefer-Hill’s Visual Communications reflections on Visiting the Van Gogh exhibit and How it Impacted their Projects (TJNIC Rooms 106/107)
Wednesday, May 3:
- 11 a.m.: Tony Sauerbrey’s Uncrewed Aerial System demo and presentation (TJNIC Rooms 106/107 and outside)
- 1 p.m.: Brandon Everest’s SOC 201 Modern Social Problems final presentations (TJNIC Rooms 104/105)
- 3 p.m.: Kristy McDonald’s BUS 231 Big Little Hero Race reflection (TJNIC Rooms 106/107)
Thursday, May 4:
- 10 a.m.: Rick Mathis’ Welding student presentations (TJNIC Room 103)
- May 4, 1 p.m.: Kamsang Riddelll and the NMC Motorsports Club “Gearheads” presentation (TJNIC Rooms 106/107)
For a complete schedule of events, visit nmc.edu/experiential-learning/learning-symposium.html. These events are open to everyone. Anyone who is interested in experiential learning or high-impact learning is encouraged to attend.
Release date: April 12, 2023
For more information:
Tracy Welch
Experiential Learning Institute Office Manager
elinstitute@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1170
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Certificates in computer support and cybersecurity specialization and Esports management will debut at NMC in January, offering students several additional paths to employment.
NMC’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the computer support specialist and cybersecurity specialist certificates Monday. At one semester and one year to complete, respectively, both align with NMC’s strategic goal of offering future-focused education — more classes in shorter formats.
‘We’re giving students the opportunity to have quicker completion,” said Vice President for Educational Services Stephen Siciliano.
Employers also seek a faster path to credentials.The computer support specialist certificate will reduce the time to earn a credential from nearly two years to one semester. Students would potentially also receive six IT industry-recognized certifications that employers value. These certifications were recently approved by the State of Michigan as a measurement for student completion.
Both certificates will help students find employment in Michigan’s strong IT industry — multiple IT careers are among Michigan’s hot 50 jobs with the best prospects through 2030.
The Esports certificate builds upon NMC’s success with varsity Esports teams, and puts NMC at the forefront of Esports’ development into an academic discipline. The certificate is designed to feed into the current business administration associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in Esports production that Ferris State University launched last fall. Lake Michigan College starts an associate degree program this year.
“So many potential students or current students are gamers. This will be a different path for them, to take something they love doing and make it into a career,” said Terri Gustafson, NMC’s Esports director. NMC entered varsity Esports competition last year with two teams, and expanded to five this year. Nineteen students played varsity this semester, each earning a $500 scholarship per semester.
Both CIT certificates use existing curriculum, meaning NMC incurs no additional costs. The cybersecurity certificate creates another area of specialization for students, and allows them to begin working in the field after a year. Students could also choose to stack the certificates toward associate degrees.
The Esports certificate utilizes existing courses in business, communications and visual communications. Five new experiential Esports courses are now in development. Job opportunities in Esports exist in marketing, accounting and graphic design, Gustafson said.
Release date: APRIL 26, 2023
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
Call or text (231) 392-1800
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
May 16, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students and Goodwill Northern Michigan on the 8th 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. 15.
The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 11-19, 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.
Release date: November 10, 2023
For more information:
Brandon Everest
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
Director, Experiential Learning Institute
beverest@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1985
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
