Jun 28, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom

Thank you to everyone who has helped make NMC’s Be What’s Possible campaign a success as it draws to a close. As the NMC Foundation announced June 10, the most ambitious fundraising initiative in NMC’s history has raised $38.9 million to date from more than 5,000 donors since its public launch in October, 2019, well over its $35 million goal. The funds will support scholarships, programs, facilities and the greatest needs of the college and its students.
There’s still time to join this historic effort by making a gift by this Wednesday, June 30. Find out more at nmc.edu/give.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 28, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
“Completely Ignoring” Conventional Wisdom, WNMC Flourishes
The Ticker, June 27 (more…)
Jun 28, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center has won a statewide Michigan American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2021 Honor Award for Design Excellence.
Designed by Cornerstone Architects of Traverse City, the project combined state investments of more than $7 million for renovations and modernizations of the West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story library and flexible learning space. The building will mark its 60th year in service on NMC’s main campus in 2023.
The award jury commented: “The volume of this enlarged and renovated building is well-balanced inside and out, through a skillful integration of materials and massing. The interior is warm and filled with natural light, while the flowing plan successfully reflects its flexible function. Finally, the jury greatly appreciated the design team’s goals of equity and minimal environmental impact.”
West Hall originally opened in 1963. Groundbreaking for the new building was in September 2018. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the renovated facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9, 2020. A formal opening ceremony was held in September 2020.
Cornerstone was also the architect for NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, the Health & Science Building, and the North Hall student housing development.
Release date: June 28, 2021
For more information:
Troy Kierczynski
Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration
(231) 995-1147
tkierczynski@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
Jun 28, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center has won a statewide Michigan American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2021 Honor Award for Design Excellence.
Designed by Cornerstone Architects of Traverse City, the project combined state investments of more than $7 million for renovations and modernizations of the West Hall building with NMC-funded investments of more than $7 million to create a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story library and flexible learning space. The building will mark its 60th year in service on NMC’s main campus in 2023.
The award jury commented: “The volume of this enlarged and renovated building is well-balanced inside and out, through a skillful integration of materials and massing. The interior is warm and filled with natural light, while the flowing plan successfully reflects its flexible function. Finally, the jury greatly appreciated the design team’s goals of equity and minimal environmental impact.”
West Hall originally opened in 1963. Groundbreaking for the new building was in September 2018. The NMC Library was the first department to occupy the renovated facility, moving into its second-floor space June 9, 2020. A formal opening ceremony was held in September 2020.
Cornerstone was also the architect for NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, the Health & Science Building, and the North Hall student housing development.
Release date: June 28, 2021
For more information:
Troy Kierczynski
Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration
(231) 995-1147
tkierczynski@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
Jun 25, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are enrolled in NMC’s high deductible medical insurance, you should expect your second HSA deposit on July 2, 2021.
- Single Coverage – $390.00
- Family Coverage (includes all coverage beyond single) – $780.00
Jun 25, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are interested in having pretax deductions withheld from your paycheck, please review this information. Contact Hollie DeWalt, hdewalt@nmc.edu in HR for more information.
Jun 25, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
If you are enrolled in the NMC Priority Health coverage these added programs may benefit you and your families!
Jun 21, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to everyone involved in planning and preparing for Wednesday afternoon’s Future Summit, the signature event in NMC’s strategic planning process, and to the more than 100 people who plan to attend. If you haven’t sent an RSVP yet, there’s still time!
Participants in the 1-5 p.m. event will hear four short EdTalks on topics key to NMC’s continued vitality, delivered by experts in the field, and then break into groups to discuss each talk in more detail, adding their voices to the critical conversation about NMC’s future. Learn more and RSVP at nmc.edu/future-summit.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 21, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Northwestern Michigan College Celebrates “Pride Under the Pines”
Record-Eagle, June 16 (more…)
Jun 21, 2021 | Emergency Management, Intercom
A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds. When a watch is issued, you should go about your normal activities, but keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local radio and television stations for further updates and possible warnings. (more…)
Jun 18, 2021 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom

When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter memoir was a moving description of the childhood and early BLM history of Patrisse Khan-Cullors, a young queer woman. Most interesting to me was the experience of her impoverished childhood and how her education coupled with her resilience led her to be one of the founding women of Black Lives Matter.
When They Call You A Terrorist is available at the NMC Library.
*Please fill out this DEI Intercom Post Feedback Form to be part of our conversation and offer feedback or suggestions on what is being shared.
Jun 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will operate Cafe Lobdell’s for the fourth consecutive summer from June 29-Aug. 5.
Cafe Lobdell’s is the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year Baking Certificate program. Culinary students will make and serve coffee and pastries for dine-in or takeout service in Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant, on the second level of the Great Lakes campus, from 7-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“We are excited to showcase the talents of our students as we welcome guests back to Lobdell’s,” said GLCI director Les Eckert.
Find out more about culinary programs at nmc.edu/culinary.
Release date: JUNE 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@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
Jun 15, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will operate Cafe Lobdell’s for the fourth consecutive summer from June 29-Aug. 5.
Cafe Lobdell’s is the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year Baking Certificate program. Culinary students will make and serve coffee and pastries for dine-in or takeout service in Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant, on the second level of the Great Lakes campus, from 7-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“We are excited to showcase the talents of our students as we welcome guests back to Lobdell’s,” said GLCI director Les Eckert.
Find out more about culinary programs at nmc.edu/culinary.
Release date: JUNE 15, 2021
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@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
Jun 14, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to NMC’s Extended Educational Services for relaunching face-to-face College for Kids classes in 2021. College for Kids starts June 21 with over 150 classes and 11 new full-day programs including STEM Camps, a LEGO Camp, an Art Camp and a new Third Grade Academy. Face-to-face class sizes are limited to 10 students each and follow NMC safety protocols.
Cybersecurity summer camps for students in grades 6-12 are also returning for the third year, after being held virtually last year due to COVID-19. Scheduled for June 21-25 and July 12-16, the camps are an opportunity for students to get a head start on a STEM career.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 14, 2021 | Intercom
Life in our region has changed dramatically in just a few weeks as the state has continued to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Many people have pent up energy and a desire to return to in-person activities as soon as possible. And while the college acknowledges the many benefits of face-to-face interactions, the pandemic has also forced a significant shift in how we work. We have an opportunity to continue to be leaders in our community, and in higher education, by embracing our NMC value of thoughtful risk taking and reimagining how we work together. While this will take time to get it right, it has the potential to be very beneficial in the long run for our co-workers and ultimately our learners.
In April, President Nissley promised we would not be returning to the old way of doing business and announced the “Reimagining Work” committee to lead this effort. He then shared the Flexible Work Guiding Principles document setting forth the vision of what work will look like at NMC in the future. Human Resources is currently updating the Flexible Work policies. We have also met with Staff Council, held a cross-campus listening session and surveyed departments on their work plans. As a result of that input we know there is wide support for continuing to embrace flexible work at NMC. Most departments plan to have a hybrid approach with meetings and independent work done remotely. Face-to-face is usually necessary only for some student needs, events, tours, and some advising. 42% of employees report they would work 3 or more days from home each week.
As promised in May, we have some additional tools to help you and your teams navigate this transition. We acknowledge there is still some uncertainty, but we will continue our long held commitment to Plan, Do, Check, Adjust for continuous improvement. Attached you will find the Guiding Principles document, discussion questions for managers, employees and teams to help guide your conversations and planning and a draft Reimagining Work Guidelines document with more details. This guidelines draft will evolve as we work together to clarify details and overcome potential pinch points in the process. To help identify and resolve those issues, the “Reimagining Work” committee will launch 4 teams to look for ways to improve in the areas of highest concern according to input from NMC employees:
- Policies, Procedures and Productivity
- Technology and Tools
- Communication and Coordination
- Culture and Connection
Please let us know if you are interested in serving on one of these work teams. We will also be recruiting members with unique expertise.
In regards to health and safety with the coronavirus, Northern Michigan continues to outpace the rest of the state in vaccinations. We will keep monitoring the information available. Here at NMC, 90% of the 315 employees who responded to a May survey indicated they were already fully or partially vaccinated. (575 employees received the survey). NMC has also signed the College COVID Pledge to encourage our communities to get vaccinated. The free vaccine is widely available for those over age 12. If you have not yet gotten vaccinated, please visit vaccine.gov to find a location near you.
Thank you for your help in building our future together at NMC so we can continue to model the kind of innovation and courageous creativity we want to encourage in our learners and our community.
The Reimagining Work Committee Co-Chairs
Mark Liebling & Diana Fairbanks
Jun 14, 2021 | Intercom
In honor of this challenging year for our nation’s educators, the Dennos Museum Center is pleased to offer free individual admission to the Museum from June 6 through June 30 to any visitor with an employee ID badge from any school district. Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, administration, and others are all eligible with their district ID.
Additionally, in conjunction with two summer exhibitions, Resilience: African American Artists as Agents of Change and Rufus Snoddy: Disappearing Man, the Museum will offer free admission all day on Juneteenth, Saturday, June 19, 2021. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, providing opportunities for communities to come together, reflect, and make positive change. Visit these great exhibitions as part of your Juneteenth celebrations.
Jun 14, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
NMC’s Hagerty Center Helps Get More Than 22000 Residents Vaccinated
9&10 News, June 10 (more…)
Jun 14, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Bookstore will be closed June 28-July 2 for annual inventory. We will reopen on July 6.
Orders placed online will be processed on July 1, even though the store won’t be open.