Jun 24, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes are the faculty and staff in NMC’s Marine Technology program, who have deployed three research buoys so that they can collect data from different sections of Lake Michigan including East Bay that has not previously ever had any measurements taken.
Collecting this data provides students with experiential learning opportunities, actively engaging them through relevant and ongoing experience, while doing the important work of monitoring the Great Lakes.
NMC is the only school in the country that offers a Bachelor’s in Marine Technology, and graduates have a 100% employment rate in the marine industry.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 24, 2022 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
Have you heard the term microaggression?
If you would like to learn what it means please watch this 2-minute video with Naomi Sigg.
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 24, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Facilities: Facilities has been doing a great job supporting Extended Education with College for Kids. EES just kicked off summer 2022 programming and Facilities has helped with everything from room/building unlock schedules and troubleshooting to air conditioning (and assisting quickly when it isn’t working!) – to moving picnic tables for our youngest Hawk Owls. Thank you for ALL that you do, Facilities!
Kudos to Marcus Bennett: Marcus, with the help of E3, put on a successful Juneteenth celebration. It was well attended and nice to see such a celebration on campus. Thanks to all who made this event possible!
Kudos to Kari Kahler and student mentors: Kari Kahler recruited over 30 NMC students to be mentors to the 5th graders at Blair Elementary School. They had a kickoff assembly (last Fall) with President Nissley and gave each 5th grader a t-shirt that said, “Future Hawk Owl”. The mentors spent time with their 5th grader weekly and provided leadership lessons. The 5th graders had a tour of NMC campuses this spring. On the last day of their 5th grade year, Kari and some of the NMC mentors made breakfast for the 5th graders and attended their graduation ceremony. Kari was the guest speaker for their elementary graduation. Congratulations on a wonderful opportunity for our NMC students to be leaders and mentors in the community!
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!
Jun 24, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom

On July 1, NMC will launch our new wellness program. Here are just a few of the many changes you will see and experience:
- A new Priority Health wellbeing platform powered by industry leader Virgin Pulse
- Hundreds of healthy habit ideas and a digital coaching resource that allows you to choose the health and wellbeing topics that are important to you
- Daily health and wellbeing tips that are quick and easy to read
- A rewards system where you can earn points every day by engaging with the platform and turn those points into an opportunity to win cash-based gift cards every quarter
- A Nutritional Guide that gives you access to hundreds of healthy recipes as well as ideas to meet your diet and nutrition goals
Check out the wellbeing hub flier below; it has all the details you’ll need to get started and the ways to get any of your questions answered.
After your Fourth of July holiday celebrations are over, set a reminder to register, take your health assessment, and get started with the new NMC wellness program! The sooner you start, the more points you can earn! If you take the health assessment by September 30, 2022, you will earn a $10 gas card. Please remember that your specific health assessment answers are confidential and not shared with NMC.
Help us name our wellbeing program
If you have an idea to brand our wellness program to make it stand out and capture our wellness journey, please submit your idea here by June 24, 2022. The person with the winning suggestion will win a NutriBullet Blender which will come in handy for making healthy smoothies all year long. The NutriBullet is courtesy of NMC and Priority Health.
Thank you all for taking part in our goal of helping all NMC employees improve their health and wellbeing one healthy habit at a time.
Please check your calendar for invitations to one of 3 informational meetings about the new platform. These meetings will occur on Friday, June 17 at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 23 at 2 p.m. and Monday, June 27 at 11 a.m.
Questions can be directed to Hollie DeWalt in Human Resources at hdewalt@nmc.edu.
Jun 24, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Three research buoys have been placed in Lake Michigan for their first full season of data collection, plus a video feed of the lake’s surface.
In an NMC-Michigan Technological University collaboration, the buoys were first placed last fall near North Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, near Greilickville in West Bay, and near East Bay Park in East Bay, the first ever on the east arm. Data collected will include water temperature at multiple depths, wind speed and direction and wave height and direction.
“We have never had any measurements in East Grand Traverse Bay previously, and having three strategically placed allows comparative understanding of the three separate but connected water bodies.” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Purchased in 2021 with a $48,804 grant NMC received from the Great Lakes Observing System, the buoys were outfitted with webcams over the winter. The video feed of the lake surface is updated every 30 minutes.
“These buoys and data will support a broader understanding of Great Lakes processes and will provide users with near real-time information,” Van Sumeren said.
NMC offers students the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources by earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology. Graduates of the bachelor’s program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available.
Release date: JUNE 24, 2022
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@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 24, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Three research buoys have been placed in Lake Michigan for their first full season of data collection, plus a video feed of the lake’s surface.
In an NMC-Michigan Technological University collaboration, the buoys were first placed last fall near North Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, near Greilickville in West Bay, and near East Bay Park in East Bay, the first ever on the east arm. Data collected will include water temperature at multiple depths, wind speed and direction and wave height and direction.
“We have never had any measurements in East Grand Traverse Bay previously, and having three strategically placed allows comparative understanding of the three separate but connected water bodies.” said Hans Van Sumeren, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Purchased in 2021 with a $48,804 grant NMC received from the Great Lakes Observing System, the buoys were outfitted with webcams over the winter. The video feed of the lake surface is updated every 30 minutes.
“These buoys and data will support a broader understanding of Great Lakes processes and will provide users with near real-time information,” Van Sumeren said.
NMC offers students the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and understanding of the world’s dynamic water resources by earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology. Graduates of the bachelor’s program have 100-percent employment in the marine industry. Associate degrees in Engineering Technology-Marine and Freshwater Studies are also available.
Release date: JUNE 24, 2022
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
(231) 995-1793
hvansumeren@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 23, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
“Oh yeah, I heard about that book!”
NMC Library has many “Top 10” books and other award-winning titles to kick off your summer reading. C’mon up to the 2nd Floor of the Innovation Center Monday through Thursday and see what all the fuss is about.
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Jun 22, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
I am pleased to announce Jennifer Hricik, currently the NMC Foundation’s Major Gifts Officer, will serve as Interim Associate Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the Foundation for the next year.
Jennifer will help lead the Foundation through its strategic planning process that officially launched this month. Upon its anticipated completion in December 2022, we will launch a national search for the permanent position.
Jennifer is a values-grounded servant leader, committed to the NMC mission – delivering lifelong learning opportunities to transform students’ lives and enrich our community. Since she began with the Foundation in 2016 she has worked to connect donors to opportunities at NMC, allowing them to significantly impact students and our community. She was a key contributor to the success of the “Be What’s Possible” Campaign, helping raise more than $40 million.
Jennifer’s passion for learning pre-dates NMC. Her higher education-focused career includes work in the areas of: enrollment, strategic planning, marketing, branding, and development. She has worked as an associate director of college admissions, gaining valuable student-facing experience and deep understanding of student needs. Additionally, she has worked as a consultant and director of client services for an education-focused consulting firm, gaining valuable collaboration and project management skills, serving a broad range of higher education institutions.
Even if you have not had the opportunity to work directly with Jennifer, you likely know her through her infectious positivity and collaborative relationships across our campus and community. Please join me in welcoming Jennifer to her new role.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010


Jun 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni award:
Download a high-resolution photo of
Richard Gray here Richard Gray, GLMA 2013 (awarded posthumously): Following his graduation, Gray continued his relationship with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy as a mentor and adjunct faculty member, in addition to his rising career. Devoted to his growing family of three young children with a fourth expected this fall, Gray’s life was cut tragically short in a shipboard accident in early 2022. The many nominations he received represent the positive influence he demonstrated to so many. One nominator wrote, “He always had a positive attitude and was willing to teach anyone anything if they asked….Richard was the best of the best.”
Download a high-resolution photo of
Dr. Annie Kritcher here Andrea (Annie) Kritcher, 2001–2003: A Traverse City native, Kritcher studied engineering at NMC, going on to complete her B.S. in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and an M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of California-Berkeley. She has been with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2012. Currently, she is a physicist and the design lead within the Inertial Confinement Fusion team, as part of the National Ignition Facility. She has served as lead researcher on several projects and has published over 35 reviewed scientific papers in journals such as Nature and Science.
Download a high-resolution photo of
Bob Sutherland here Bob Sutherland, 1982–1983: As the visionary owner of Cherry Republic, Sutherland launched the business in 1989 selling t-shirts sporting the motto “Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie” out of the trunk of his car. Cherry Republic has flagship destinations in Glen Arbor and Traverse City, satellite stores, and a nationwide website and catalog business. With a commitment to clean energy, farmland preservation, outdoor recreation, and youth development, Sutherland designates a portion of sales to charity each year. One nominator wrote, “one of the best examples I know of a company with multiple bottom lines that gives back to the community on many levels. It’s a model for many to follow, but few can match.”
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. Recognition is based on the achievements of the nominee and positive perspective as to the role that NMC played in their lives. Visit nmc.edu/alumni for more information and a nomination form. Nominations received by March 1, 2023 will be considered for 2023 recognition.
Release date: June 22, 2022
For more information:
NMC Alumni Relations
alumni@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
Jun 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni award:
Download a high-resolution photo of
Richard Gray here Richard Gray, GLMA 2013 (awarded posthumously): Following his graduation, Gray continued his relationship with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy as a mentor and adjunct faculty member, in addition to his rising career. Devoted to his growing family of three young children with a fourth expected this fall, Gray’s life was cut tragically short in a shipboard accident in early 2022. The many nominations he received represent the positive influence he demonstrated to so many. One nominator wrote, “He always had a positive attitude and was willing to teach anyone anything if they asked….Richard was the best of the best.”
Download a high-resolution photo of
Dr. Annie Kritcher here Andrea (Annie) Kritcher, 2001–2003: A Traverse City native, Kritcher studied engineering at NMC, going on to complete her B.S. in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and an M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of California-Berkeley. She has been with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2012. Currently, she is a physicist and the design lead within the Inertial Confinement Fusion team, as part of the National Ignition Facility. She has served as lead researcher on several projects and has published over 35 reviewed scientific papers in journals such as Nature and Science.
Download a high-resolution photo of
Bob Sutherland here Bob Sutherland, 1982–1983: As the visionary owner of Cherry Republic, Sutherland launched the business in 1989 selling t-shirts sporting the motto “Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie” out of the trunk of his car. Cherry Republic has flagship destinations in Glen Arbor and Traverse City, satellite stores, and a nationwide website and catalog business. With a commitment to clean energy, farmland preservation, outdoor recreation, and youth development, Sutherland designates a portion of sales to charity each year. One nominator wrote, “one of the best examples I know of a company with multiple bottom lines that gives back to the community on many levels. It’s a model for many to follow, but few can match.”
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. Recognition is based on the achievements of the nominee and positive perspective as to the role that NMC played in their lives. Visit nmc.edu/alumni for more information and a nomination form. Nominations received by March 1, 2023 will be considered for 2023 recognition.
Release date: June 22, 2022
For more information:
NMC Alumni Relations
alumni@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
Jun 20, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events
Join students from Northwestern Michigan College and Universidad de La Salle (Bogotá, Colombia) this Friday, June 24 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (Room 106) as they share perspectives gleaned as part of the Bridging Waterways Across the Americas educational exchange program.

This program has paired students and faculty from the two universities for a semester-long virtual course culminating in a bidirectional international exchange trip that sent an NMC cohort to Bogotá and brought a La Salle cohort to Traverse City for twelve days each.
The focus of the program has been to engage students and faculty in the sharing of knowledge and culture toward a deeper mutual understanding of both the Rio Teusacá and Boardman River watersheds. On Friday they will share reflections on their experiences, as well as a special puppet show they created as a tool for community environmental education intended to inspire stewardship of fresh water resources.
Hope to see you there!
Jun 20, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes are the staff members of Extended Educational Services for coordinating the annual College for Kids program and engaging young learners during the summer months. Class topics include science, technology, robotics, creative arts, performing arts, writing, outdoor adventure and more.
Classes kicked off this week and run weekly through mid-August. View the youth catalog to see the complete list of classes offered this summer.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 20, 2022 | Intercom
The PRMC team received a farewell message that Meg Young wanted us to share with the NMC Community:
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended last week’s farewell festivities at the Grand Traverse Commons—it was an absolute gift having so many amazing people, from every facet of my NMC journey, under one roof!
Many thanks, too, for all of the thoughtful messages, support and well wishes!
NMC will always have a special place in my heart and I will continue to be a champion and proud supporter.
My continued best and have a wonderful summer!
Meg Young
Jun 20, 2022 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
A recent Ulliance article discusses that many LGBTQ people still do not feel comfortable being their ‘true self’ at work, despite the progress that has been made for broad public support for LGBTQ equality. Read the article here.
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 20, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Jun 20, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to April Kesler, Janet Lively and Sarah Montgomery-Richards for helping to run a session at the ETOM (Educational Technology Organization of Michigan) Spring Conference and Retreat on Friday, June 10th. Each instructor took time out of their busy summer schedules to share their ideas about “Engaging Online Learners” with colleagues from around the state. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Kudos to the grounds crew of Bob Bugai, Bill Long and Reece Sivek who unloaded the semi containing the crates and boxes for our summer exhibition Environmental Impact. While we requested their assistance in advance, facilities employees are always there for us at a moment’s notice, and for all those that we have forgotten to give kudos to over the years, we appreciate each and every one of you.
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!
Jun 20, 2022 | 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.
Juneteenth celebrated in northern Michigan
UpNorthLive, June 20
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Jun 13, 2022 | 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.
20Fathoms, Michigan Tech partner to advance tech entrepreneurship
Record-Eagle, June 12
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