Employee Anniversaries – October
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Kudos!
Kudos to Carolyn Andrews: Congratulations to Carolyn Andrews and her team for another wonderful Building Tomorrow event. Students were engaged and eager to learn about the different programs NMC has to offer.
Kudos to Kristy Jackson & The Extended Education & Training Team: College for Kids, in its 47th year, served 745 unique students ages 3-17 this summer with classes from Geology Rocks with NMC Instructor Tiffani Wilke, Instant Rock Bootcamp with NMC Instructor Brady Corcoran, to Model-Makers: Build a Sustainable Demonstration House with MTU instructor Jay Meldrum, and 85 more experiential and exceptional classes! Kristy Jackson, College for Kids Program Manager, and the Extended Education & Training team held the most financially successful College for Kids summer term on record. Net revenue* increased profit per seat by 49% from last year in 2023. Expenses decreased by 40% from 2023. In addition, Extended Education & Training awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to College for Kids families to make programming accessible to more learners. College for Kids is now positioned to grow enrollment and programming in a financially sustainable model. *Net Revenue is program profit, not including NMC staff wages and benefits.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Welcome our newest hires
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Avery Verschaeve – Student – Switchboard Operator & Innovation Center Welcome Desk
- Alex Roush – Student – Biology Lab Assistant
- Nate Porras – Student – Student Life Office Assistant
- Travis Thenikl – Adjunct – Law Enforcement
- Grantland Armstrong – Adjunct Law Enforcement
- Gabriel Lantz – Student – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Jackie Paulosky – Supplemental Peer Mentor
- Lily Smith – Supplemental – Food Service Back of House
- Lisa Nadlicki – Supplemental – Learning Services Office Assistant
- Ayri Nortena – Student – Switchboard Operator & Innovation Center Welcome Desk Attendant
- Megan Crawford – Adjunct – Surgical Technology
- Gabby Westcott – Supplemental – Kitchen & Dining Room Help At Lobdells
- Alex Yount – Adjunct – CFI
NMC Magazine call for submissions for Fall 2024
Do you have hauntingly good horror work? Anxiety-inducing artwork or poetry? Scribbles that make you squeamish? Ghost stories, childhood fears, bad trips, frightening realities, found footage, monsters or phobias?
Give us the heebie-jeebies and help us create a dread diary in this semester’s issue of the NMC Magazine student publication. Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information and complete a submission form for each entry by Friday, Nov. 1.
FAFSA Fridays
Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists are going to be in the NMC Enrollment Services Office in the Tanis Building every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at least through November.
Stop in to get help completing the 2024–25 FAFSA. You might be missing out on financial aid opportunities through federal, state and NMC scholarships. The FAFSA is the key to accessing all of these!
Trunk or Treat
Get ready for some spooky fun at the 4th Annual Trunk or Treat hosted by your friendly neighborhood NMC Student Ambassadors! Join us Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5:30–7 p.m. in the Cherry Lot on NMC’s Front Street Campus for a frightfully fun evening.
Community: Dress up your little ghosts and goblins and come ready for a night of sweet treats and spooky smiles!
NMC Students: Want to join the fun and decorate a trunk? Sign up to be a host here.
We can’t wait to see you there! #NMCTrunkOrTreat #CommunityFun #SpookySeason
Success story: Aviation to break ground on $7M hangar Monday
October 2, 2024
Architectural rendering of hangar expansion
When American Airlines Capt. Todd Zrimec flies with another NMC pilot, he’s confident of the quality sitting next to him in the cockpit.
“They’re the best pilots out there that we can be hiring at American,” said Zrimec, a 1992 graduate of NMC Aviation who is now a check pilot for American, training new captains for the airline, as well as an FAA examiner.
So he’s excited that NMC is breaking ground Monday on a new hangar that will allow the college to purchase more planes, which means accepting more students, which will address the industry’s need for more pilots.
“That’s a big deal, being able to bring more students in and produce more pilots for the industry with the expansion of the fleet,” Zrimec said. “Having facilities and equipment that replicate what students will use in the industry is a critical component for the students in their learning.”
The new hangar will expand the college’s aviation facilities and increase its capacity to train pilots by 25 to 40 percent, according to Aviation Director Alex Bloye.
Presently NMC’s Aviation program enrolls 50 students per year, but has a up to a two-year waitlist.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”
The current hangar is 48 years old. The renovated, 40,000-square-foot hangar will feature state-of-the-art facilities,, and a secure facility to store and maintain the college’s growing fleet of technically advanced aircraft.
“Thousands of pilots have started through those facilities. Those facilities met those needs. Now as we progress forward, we need updated facilities that match what students are going to see in the industry,” said American’s Zrimec, who also serves on the program’s advisory board.
Total project cost for the hangar is $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding.
The hangar is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive. It is expected to be complete by August 2025, in time for the fall 2025 semester.
“I’m just extremely excited about this next phase of expansion. It’s really going to set the program apart,” Zrimec said.
Ballot information for the Nov. 5 election
Looking for information on who and what are on the ballot for the November 5 election? The League of Women Voters’s nonpartisan vote411.org website can help.
Enter your street address at vote411.org/ballot to get personalized ballot and candidate information, including biographical information and questionnaire responses from the five candidates for three NMC Board of Trustee positions.
Also, the American Library Association has put together a comprehensive state-by-state voting and elections toolkit ahead of the election to provide voters a one-stop resource covering everything from registration deadlines and polling places to ballot information and resources for getting a ride to the polls.
International Affairs Forum event on global migration
IAF will host a discussion on global migration trends, including key dynamics on the U.S. Southern border, featuring two expert guest speakers Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. “Global Migration & The Southern Border” is a hybrid event, in person at the Dennos Museum Center and online. Read more and get tickets here.
Alan Bersin served as the former assistant secretary in the Office of Policy in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2012-2017. He is the former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 2010-2011. Bersin served as California’s Secretary of Education in the Administration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Andrew Selee, Ph.D. is the president of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), “an independent, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions.” Prior to his work at MPI, Dr. Selee was the founder & executive vice president of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center.
Alan Bersin will speak in person and Andrew Selee, Ph.D. will appear via video link for this hybrid event at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium.
All regular season events are open to the public. Current students, educators, and all NMC employees receive free admission.Tickets are required. Presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. and receptions begin at 5:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Visit TCIAF.com for advance in-person tickets and online livestream access: $15 per person or $10 for online livestream access. For in-person tickets on event days, purchase at the door while seats remain.
NMC Jazz Bands @ The Alluvion
The NMC Jazz Bands under the direction of Joshua Wagner will be performing as part of The Alluvion Thursday Night Jazz 4 All series. The NMC Jazz Bands will be joining the Jeff Haas Trio from 6–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 (Jazz Lab Band) and Thursday, Oct. 17 (Jazz Big Band). These groups contain NMC students, community members and area professionals with a mission of promoting the American art form of Jazz! Audience members will be treated to a variety of styles including blues, latin, swing, fusion and contemporary.
The Alluvion is located on the 2nd floor of the Commongrounds Cooperative at 414 East 8th Street in Traverse City. There are no advanced sales. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a $1–$20 honor cover at the door. We hope to see you there!
Media mentions for September 30, 2024
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
Letters to the editor: TIF and NMC
Parsons
Record-Eagle, Sept. 29 (more…)
On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for Sept. 30–Oct. 4
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, September 30
Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts
Italian Pasta Bake (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts
Tuesday, October 1
Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans
Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips and queso blanco & refried beans
Wednesday, October 2
Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Thursday, October 3
Lasagna served with garlic bread & broccoli
Vegetable Lasagna (V) served with garlic bread & broccoli
Friday, October 4
Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees – Sept. 30
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Confronting Racism: A Visit to the Jim Crow Museum
Note: Employee participation on this trip does not require use of a vacation day.
Step into community and conversation with your fellow citizens here in Northern Michigan to explore the history of race relations in America through a unique lens at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery at Ferris State University. Due to high demand, additional seats have been added.
Friday, Nov. 11; 10a – 5:30p
Employee price: $75 (public price: $199)
Social Dance: Beginning (No Partner Required!)
Experience a fun form of recreation/exercise/growth through many styles of partner dancing including swing/jitterbug, slow dancing, tango, waltz, salsa, mambo, blues, and more. Learn to dance to any kind of music in any situation: from dances and parties, to clubs and weddings.
7 sessions; Thursdays, Oct. 10 – Nov. 21; 5:30 – 7:15p
Employee price: $22 (public price: $125)
Family Dinner Fun (For Adult & Child Age 7+)
Ready to trade the drive-thru for delicious, healthy creations? Through sizzling, chopping, and simmering, you’ll discover how quick and easy it is to make healthier versions of your favorite fast foods.
Saturday, October 19; 10a – 12p
Employee Price: $46 (public price: $125)
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Join NMC employees for a visit to the Jim Crow Museum
Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, 10 a.m –5:30 p.m.
Due to high demand, additional seats have been added. Register early to reserve your seat.
Step into community and conversation with your fellow NMC employees and citizens here in Northern Michigan to explore the history of race relations in America through a unique lens at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery at Ferris State University. This one-day trip offers a unique opportunity to create belonging by fostering connection, while confronting the realities of the Jim Crow era (1877-1950s) through a collection of artifacts of intolerance that tell a powerful story and help to teach tolerance and promote a more just society.
What to Expect:
- Comfortable transportation by bus to Big Rapids, Michigan
- Lunch included at the Quad Cafe
- Plenty of time to explore the museum
- Open discussion and reflection on the themes of racism and tolerance
More Than Just a Museum Visit:
- A recommended book study will provide deeper context for the museum visit: Understanding Jim Crow: Using Racist Memorabilia to Teach Tolerance and Promote Social Justice
- This trip fosters critical thinking, dialogue, and belonging.
Register here
Plan your day for the NMC October Conference!
The NMC October Conference is Tuesday, Oct. 15! View the schedule to plan your day and check out the Session Summary Guide to learn more about each session topic.
The Center for Instructional Excellence and the Professional Development Institute are pleased to share our program for the 9th annual NMC October Conference 2024, “Creating a Caring and Connected Community.” This year’s sessions highlight diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, neurodiversity and disability support, and student success. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Javon Brame from Campus Works, will speak on “Creating a Campus of Care: Strategies for Inclusive and Resilient Communities.”
We are especially fortunate to have a number of community members joining us as panelists and presenters this year, connecting us to the caring community beyond our campus boundaries. As always, we appreciate the many staff and faculty members who have stepped up to present.
October Conference is NMC’s full-day professional development opportunity for faculty and staff. Classes are canceled and most offices are closed in order to allow you to connect with all of your colleagues and learn about important topics that impact our work. Attendance is required for all regular faculty and staff. Adjunct faculty are encouraged to join us. Supplemental staff should check with their supervisors.
We look forward to this day of collaboration, connection, and learning. If you have questions about the day, please contact Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1143 or Janet Lively at jlively@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1231.
NMC breaks ground on Aviation hangar
$7 million facility will allow college to train more pilots
Media are welcome to cover the invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the aviation facilities on NMC’s Aero Park campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive.
Architectural rendering (download high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College will break ground for a new aviation hangar on October 7, marking a significant milestone that is testament to NMC’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.
The new hangar will expand the college’s aviation facilities and increase its capacity to train pilots by 25 to 40 percent. It is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive. This investment reflects NMC’s dedication to providing high-quality education and preparing students for successful careers in aviation. Presently NMC’s Aviation program enrolls 50 students per year, but has a up to a two-year waitlist.
Architectural rendering (download high-resolution version)“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”
The current hangar is 48 years old. The renovated, 40,000 square foot hangar will feature state-of-the-art facilities,, and a secure facility to store and maintain the college’s growing fleet of technically advanced aircraft. Total project cost for the hangar is $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding.
NMC Aviation has a proven track record of success, with graduates experiencing 100 percent job placement. As the demand for skilled pilots continues to grow, NMC is committed to providing the necessary training and resources to meet the industry’s needs. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems.
NMC Thrive, the campus master plan guiding development for the next 10 years, was adopted by the Board of Trustees in June. The plan lays out a decade-long vision of renovations and construction and is estimated to cost between $164 and $235 million. Expansion of the Aviation facilities and program are also part of the college’s strategic plan adopted in 2022.
Media are welcome to cover the invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the aviation facilities on NMC’s Aero Park campus, 2600 Aero Park Drive.
Release date: SEPTEMBer 27, 2024
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President, Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 (o)
(231) 392-6082 (mobile, text preferred)
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-discriminationGive What You Can Food Drive
In honor of National Food Bank week, the NMC Campus Bookstore is collecting non-perishable food items October 14–24 to donate to the NMC Food Pantry. As a thank you, the bookstore will be giving participants a coupon for a discount in the store.
Kudos!
Kudos to Amy Pflughoeft; Amy brought the Library of Things exhibit to the residence halls which was much needed and beneficial to the students. The students were excited of the offerings from musical instruments to games that they were able to check out from Amy’s mobile cart.
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!