Dec 23, 2017 | Intercom
May 6, 2015
First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes a baby carriage, satisfying careers, buffalo burgers, saving money through dual enrollment, and supervising the beanbag toss.
That’s Barb Mort’s story, anyway. The alumna and Traverse City resident has a bird’s eye view of NMC, having seen the college as a student, parent, volunteer and colleague. Whatever lens she’s looking through, Mort says the view is always the same: Impressive.
“I’m just so proud that such a small community has a world-class college in it,” said Mort, whose story began with a fairy-tale start when she moved into the NMC apartments in 1979. Across the hall lived another student named Greg, from Charlevoix.
“It was truly love at first sight,” she said. “The very first time I met him, I knew I was going to marry him.”
They tied the knot in 1982, and then bride and groom enrolled in what was called Ferris State University’s “off campus program,” a predecessor to the University Center located in the old Maritime building (now site of the Great Lakes campus.)
“Neither one of us would have the careers we have without NMC and the off-campus program,” said Mort, who is now donor relations specialist at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Husband Greg is the business manager of a tool and die company. “It literally saved us tens of thousands of dollars in tuition.”
Fast-forward a few decades. The couple’s youngest son, Jackson, a senior at Traverse City West, is now dual-enrolled at NMC. He’s even had one of the same professors his parents did: Math instructor Ernie East.
“It’s been the best thing for him,” said Mort. “He loves the independence, how the professors teach. The one-on-one help he’s been getting is amazing.”
Mort also sees evidence of NMC’s value when she goes to work. The Conservancy hired an intern through NMC’s business department. He went on to earn a staff position, due to his strong performance which NMC supported, she said.
Mort’s latest role at NMC came about thanks to another quirk of proximity. The Conservancy’s office adjoins Oleson’s, the grocery store chain whose founders started the NMC Barbecue in 1956. The third generation of the family now continues that tradition, led by Brad Oleson, who recruited Mort for the Barbecue Board.
“I saw serving on the BBQ board as an avenue to give back to the college that has made such a difference to my family and community. I am also inspired by the Oleson family, who quietly contribute to so many worthwhile organizations in our region,” Mort said.
Set for May 17 this year, Barbecue Day is the culmination of nine months of work by the Board, and Mort will be busy co-supervising kids’ games. She’ll make sure to find time to squeeze in her own buffalo burger, though.
“I’m a really picky eater but I love the buffalo burgers,” she said.
Dec 23, 2017 | Intercom
October 14, 2015
If it seems like there’s a lot of new faces in classrooms this semester, you’re right.
Eight new full-time faculty members began teaching at NMC this fall, more than double the number of new faculty who started in 2014 and 2013.
Among those eight, Mac Beeker stands out for another reason: He’s the first full-time male nursing instructor in department history. And with NMC’s male nursing enrollment well ahead of national averages, he’s a fitting addition to the faculty.
“It’s a female-dominated profession, and I don’t think that’s going to change,” said Beeker, a 2010 alumnus himself. “(But) it’s not necessarily a female field they’re entering. It’s the nursing field.”
NMC’s associate degree nursing program enrollment is 21 percent male and male enrollment has climbed for the last two years, both in terms of actual students and percentages. National averages for male student nurse enrollment stand at around 15 percent. Among practicing nurses, only about 10 percent are men.
Director of Nursing Laura Schmidt said NMC has had male adjuncts, but Beeker, a medical-surgical instructor, is a pioneer in terms of full-time status.
“I think it’s very positive that there’s a male instructor,” said Brandon Thompson, a Traverse City nursing student. Graduating next spring, Beeker is the first male instructor he’s had.
Beeker, 50, entered nursing after careers in radio and non-profit management. He came to the field at 40, “half-accidentally, half intentionally” after his parents got sick. In terms of their hands-on care, Beeker discovered that nurses were the providers who truly made a difference.
“My own involvement with my parents’ health, it was pretty clear to me,” he said.
As Beeker did, many men find their way into nursing at older ages and after caregiving experiences, often as a parent or for a parent.
“Those barriers really get broken down for men as they get a bit older,” Beeker said. “There’s no way I could have done this at 18.”
Beeker said he’s particularly interested in infusing a human connection to the practice of nursing. When teaching a procedure, for instance, he seeks for students to learn not only how and when to perform it, but to conduct it with care and compassion for the patient. Skill grounded in academic knowledge delivered in a compassionate bedside manner equates to “phenomenal” nursing, he said.
“I felt that was very present in the NMC program, and I want to continue to try and develop that,” he said.
Since graduating, Beeker has earned a master’s in nursing and worked as a medical-surgical nurse providing primarily post-trauma care at Munson Medical Center. He plans to maintain that connection, working a few on-call shifts a month, to keep up his skills. He said Munson’s status as a magnet hospital for nursing, a designation of excellence by the American Nurse Credentialing Center, reflects positively on the quality of NMC’s program.
“That trickles back and is fueled by the NMC program,” he said.
Dec 21, 2017 | Intercom
Congratulations to the NMC Foundation, which won the 2017 Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest and the coveted contest trophy with a two-minute video to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (see the winning video here).
The winner was announced at the NMC Holiday Party December 15. Thanks to all the other groups that also submitted entries — Dennos Museum Center, Educational Media Technologies, Enrollment Services, Extended Education, and Student Life. Start shopping for your ugly sweaters now; we’re looking forward to next year’s contest!
Dec 21, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
December 20, 2017
Kathy and Stella Young personify the “like mother, like daughter” axiom — both petite, dark-haired, glasses-wearers who appreciate a good cup of coffee — and attend NMC together.
Kathy, 47, is returning to complete a degree she started almost 30 years ago. Stella, 17, is getting a head start on hers as a dual-enrolled high school student.
“My friends are saying, ‘You’re going to college with your mom?’ I’m like, ‘that’s fine, I like my mom!’” said Stella, a senior at Glen Lake High School.
“It’s mother-daughter bonding time,” Kathy said of their shared Thursday commute from their home in Empire, which includes a stop at their favorite coffee shop, Black Market in Traverse City.
She’s a “lifelong learner” who started at NMC after graduating from St. Francis High School in 1988, returned again in the 1990s and again for another class in 2005. But the demands of family — Stella has a younger brother — and the family business, Food For Thought, which she started with husband Timothy, a 1982 NMC alumnus, always kept her from finishing.
Fast forward to 2016. Kathy had phased out of her role with the business. A three-month recovery from back surgery gave her time to consider what she wanted to do next. Her dream, she decided, was a master of library science degree. She started this semester with classes to complete the step in between, her bachelor’s in English. The downside is that her classes are required courses in subjects like science, which have faded over the years.
“Going back to this stuff after 30 years, my brain doesn’t work that way,” she said. However, “being so much older, I’m not afraid to ask questions anymore.”
She’s on campus three days a week and takes the other class online, flexibility she appreciates. Stella, meanwhile is on campus two days a week, taking classes in English, math and history.
“I really like it,” she said. “If I could take history classes for the rest of my academic career, I would.”
Between NMC and credit she earned at a semester-long boarding school in Wisconsin during her junior year, Stella will graduate high school with 28 college credits.
“It is so awesome to get that stuff done in a small classroom setting, where you have ample opportunity to be with instructors,” Kathy said. “I’m a huge fan of community colleges.”
Thinking about going back to school? There’s still time to register for spring semester classes. Visit nmc.edu/spring to find out more. Classes start Jan. 15.
Dec 20, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
December 20, 2017
Kathy and Stella Young personify the “like mother, like daughter” axiom — both petite, dark-haired, glasses-wearers who appreciate a good cup of coffee — and attend NMC together.
Kathy, 47, is returning to complete a degree she started almost 30 years ago. Stella, 17, is getting a head start on hers as a dual-enrolled high school student.
“My friends are saying, ‘You’re going to college with your mom?’ I’m like, ‘that’s fine, I like my mom!’” said Stella, a senior at Glen Lake High School.
“It’s mother-daughter bonding time,” Kathy said of their shared Thursday commute from their home in Empire, which includes a stop at their favorite coffee shop, Black Market in Traverse City.
She’s a “lifelong learner” who started at NMC after graduating from St. Francis High School in 1988, returned again in the 1990s and again for another class in 2005. But the demands of family — Stella has a younger brother — and the family business, Food For Thought, which she started with husband Timothy, a 1982 NMC alumnus, always kept her from finishing.
Fast forward to 2016. Kathy had phased out of her role with the business. A three-month recovery from back surgery gave her time to consider what she wanted to do next. Her dream, she decided, was a master of library science degree. She started this semester with classes to complete the step in between, her bachelor’s in English. The downside is that her classes are required courses in subjects like science, which have faded over the years.
“Going back to this stuff after 30 years, my brain doesn’t work that way,” she said. However, “being so much older, I’m not afraid to ask questions anymore.”
She’s on campus three days a week and takes the other class online, flexibility she appreciates. Stella, meanwhile is on campus two days a week, taking classes in English, math and history.
“I really like it,” she said. “If I could take history classes for the rest of my academic career, I would.”
Between NMC and credit she earned at a semester-long boarding school in Wisconsin during her junior year, Stella will graduate high school with 28 college credits.
“It is so awesome to get that stuff done in a small classroom setting, where you have ample opportunity to be with instructors,” Kathy said. “I’m a huge fan of community colleges.”
Dec 20, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The Northwestern Michigan College Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2018 Outstanding Alumni award through Feb. 20.
Created in 1988, the Outstanding Alumni award recognizes alumni for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. The award(s) will be presented at NMC’s annual Commencement ceremony May 5, 2018.
The nomination form is available online. Nominations may also be emailed to Director of Alumni Relations Betsy Coffia at bcoffia@nmc.edu or mailed to the NMC Foundation, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686.
The 2017 Outstanding Alumni recipients were the Honorable Kevin Elsenheimer and Wei Cao. See all recipients here »
Release date: December 20, 2017
For more information:
Betsy Coffia
Director of Alumni Relations
bcoffia@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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
Dec 19, 2017 | Intercom, President Updates
Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff
This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible. (more…)
Dec 18, 2017 | Intercom
View the December Wellness Newsletter here.
Dec 18, 2017 | Intercom
KUDOS- (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com
Submit a Kudos here.
Kudos to Founders Hall Employees: Kudos to all of the Founders Hall Staff responsible for the organization and implementation of the Giving Tree. We know there is a ton of behind the scenes work that goes into this each year. Thanks for all you do.
Kudos to the Admissions team and specifically Scott Herzberg for their recruiting efforts for Health Occupations. The programs have been receiving many new inquiries. Thanks for all you do.
Kudos to Paul Kolak and Lisa Thomas and all involved in the conception and implementation of NMC’s food pantry. We should all promote the food pantry to our students and promote giving through payroll deduction to our coworkers.
Dec 18, 2017 | Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
Position Vacancies
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Flight Instructor – Adjunct Faculty
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Geography Adjunct Faculty
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Automotive Adjunct Faculty
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Clinical Nursing Adjunct Faculty
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GLMA Adjunct Faculty
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Surgical Technology Adjunct Faculty
Supplemental Employment
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Banquet Server – Hagerty Center
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Technology Support Assistant
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Kitchen Steward
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Student Health Services Nurse
Dec 18, 2017 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Dec 14, 2017 | Intercom
Pick up your spring semester Global Literature Reading Group book at the library before break! We will be reading and discussing A House Without Windows, by Nadia Hashimi on Friday, April 20, 2018. Copies available for $5. Stop by the library or contact Tina Ulrich at tulrich@nmc.edu
Dec 8, 2017 | Intercom
Check off your New Years resolutions early, and BE healthy and inspired THROUGHOUT the holiday season and into the new year with this exclusive NMC tuition waiver pass to Yen Yoga and Fitness.
Teachers and staff at Yen know that walking into a yoga or fitness studio can be intimidating at first, so they strive to create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable, and non-judgmental — emphasizing mind, body, spirit, and joy.
This amazing deal from Yen Yoga & Fitness is for NMC employees and those authorized for employee tuition waivers. Currently offering more than 115 classes a week (check schedule at yenyogafitness.com), Yen is Northern Michigan’s largest class-based fitness studio, offering yoga, indoor cycling, group fitness, TRX, and more. Showers are also available, especially helpful for those early morning and noontime classes!
This is an exclusive offer to thank you for ALL that you do! Purchase anytime between Dec. 1 and May 11. All classes meet at Yen Yoga (332 E. Front St., TC)
Option 1:
10 Class package (expires 6 months after purchase date)
Just $10 with 100% tuition waiver! ($160 value)
Option 2:
30 Class package (expires 12 months after purchase date)
Just $20 with 100% tuition waiver! ($360 value)
Call Extended Educational Services (EES) to enroll with credit card: (231) 995-1700
After enrolling, call Yen Yoga and Fitness to register for your first class: (231) 421-5496
Questions? Contact Laura Matchett: lmatchett@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1704
Dec 8, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Visual Communications department invites area non-profit groups to submit graphic design, art direction and new media projects for consideration as pro bono class projects during the spring semester. Submissions are due by January 1, 2018.
Part of the Visual Communications curriculum, the class project is free to the non-profits selected. The goal is a real-world assignment that allows students to interact with clients and exposes them to the commercial printing and production worlds, including film and new media production, creative advertising, graphic design and packaging. Projects will be completed by the end of the spring semester in April 2018. Some projects may be able to be completed before this date.
Potential projects could include logos, brochures, ad campaigns, packaging, graphic design, branding, posters, infographics, announcements, invitations, film, web animations, Flash animations, exhibition design, TV commercials or anything relating to visual communications, commercial art, illustration and film or web design. The department is especially interested in conceptually-driven projects that will offer the students substantial opportunity for interaction with the client and process.
In the past, NMC students have created:
- The initial design for the “Bay Bucks” local currency
- Newsletters and brochures for TART Trails
- Branding for Grow Benzie
- Streetscape signage and metalwork bridge design for the city of Alden
- Book design for the Dunes Review literary journal and A Colorful Cast – The Rise of Visual Arts in Traverse City
Images of past projects are available here.
Interested non-profits with valid 501(c)(3) status in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Wexford counties should direct questions to Visual Communications instructor Caroline Schaefer-Hills at (231) 995-1334. A brief description of the project and the organization’s needs are required and should be sent via email to cschaefer@nmc.edu by Jan. 1. Non-profits will be notified of status by Jan. 9.
Release date: December 7, 2017
For more information:
Caroline Schaefer-Hills
Visual Communications Department Chair
(231) 995-1334
cschaefer@nmc.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
Dec 7, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Find lots of unique gifts for the holidays.
From now until the end of December, receive 20% off all items in the Dennos Museum Store (only 10% on consignment art).
If an item is already marked down, you will receive 20% off the lowest price.
Dec 6, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
The library has purchased many new books so far this year. You can view a handful here along with partial descriptions or go here to see the full listing. These books are on display in the library’s lobby.
(more…)
Dec 6, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
December 6, 2017
Commuters hurrying home along Eighth Street these dark evenings will find a bright spot, thanks to a collaboration between NMC and Roost.
NMC’s solar power trailer is lighting up the Roost prefabricated tiny home located at 444 E. Eighth, opposite Family Video. The home is illuminated from 5–8 p.m. nightly.
The collaboration is designed to show what’s possible with solar energy, said NMC construction technology adjunct instructor Mike Schmerl.
“It does work, in northern Michigan, in the winter,” said Schmerl.
And it’s ideal for Roost, said Geoff Nelson, a co-founder of the company that created the 370-square-foot, finish-ready home that’s occupied the former vacant lot since June.
“There’s a great many people who want to live smaller, greener,” Nelson said. Roost’s other green features include renewable materials, a sustainable building process and tight building envelope to maximize energy efficiency.
Parked on the home’s west side with its solar panels tilted south, the trailer is only illuminating the home, not heating it or powering appliances. Still, it kick-starts consideration of solar, said Schmerl, whose own Traverse City home is 50 percent solar-powered.
“All things are possible,” Schmerl said. “What we demonstrate is expandability.”
NMC first developed the solar trailer in 2006. Schmerl updated it for the Roost project using equipment sold to the college at a discount.
“The technology has become more user-friendly, easier to understand, and more adaptable to people’s power requirements,” said Schmerl. “Using that trailer and our classroom skill set, we can adapt to almost any inquiries.”
As electric cars become more prevalent, Schmerl sees more opportunity for solar growth. The website Charge Hub lists 26 public charging stations in Traverse City, including at the Cambria Suites hotel, the original Meijer parking lot, and the Old Towne parking deck just down the street from Roost.
“Why wouldn’t they package the sale of an electric vehicle with the sale of the charging equipment, which would lead to the sale of the solar,” he said.
Nelson agreed that he’s seeing interest increase among all kinds of clients, from millennials to boomers.
“It’s been super encouraging to see the people responding to living smaller, greener, low-maintenance,” he said.
Dec 4, 2017 | Intercom
The bookstore is excited to announce a custom NMC apparel section on the bookstore website! Check out our new selection here. Choose your style, color, and size; submit your order, and we’ll contact you when it arrives! Custom orders will take approximately 2-3 weeks; all pieces will be embroidered with the NMC classic logo. New pieces and styles will be added regularly – check back often for new apparel!
And…Don’t forget! NMC employees get 10% off NMC products at the bookstore; use the coupon code HAWKOWLS for a 10% discount on any NMC items on the website!
Questions? Contact Sarah at smavis@nmc.edu or 5-1288.
