Dec 21, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to Leanne Baumeler, who was recognized by the Michigan unit of United Cerebral Palsy with the 2020 Closing the Divide Advocacy Award. (Baumeler is shown accepting the award during a virtual presentation October 16.)
Baumeler has been NMC’S Disability Support Coordinator since 2010, serving between 90-120 students each semester. She’s also a member of NMC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, Accessibility team and Title IX team, and a past president of the Michigan chapter of the Association on Higher Education and Disability.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Dec 18, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Dear all,
Thank you very much for all of your support and cooperation in the college’s efforts to maintain a safe working and learning environment on our campuses. Thank you also for reviewing the screening questions and reporting you are symptom free to your manager before coming to NMC during the last month. As we first told you in November, NMC will now be using a new smartphone app for recording and tracking these COVID-19 self-checks. This change will make reporting easier and allow the college to meet our increased state compliance requirements.
This app, Campus Clear, is available for you now. It is free to download and very easy to use. The set-up will take less than 10 minutes but will pay off in time saved and convenience over the remaining duration of these COVID-19 requirements.
Please start using this before your next visit to campus. Simply open the app and enter your symptoms (we hope you’ll be feeling well and tapping the ‘No Symptoms’ button) each day before you come inside the college’s facilities. You will need to do this every day before you come to the college. You don’t need to do this if you are working remotely for the day. However it is still very important that you inform your supervisor and Human Resources if you do have symptoms, whether you are coming to the office or not.
If you do not have a suitable device, there is a desktop application that you can use on your PC. Or, you may also continue to email your supervisor as you have been doing, in accordance with the instructions in the November 24th email.
From the app store, just search “campus clear” and look for the app with the following logo:
Links to download the app are below. Please contact the NMC Help Desk if you need assistance.
Thank you again. I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
Mark
—
Mark Liebling
AVP of Human Resources
1701 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-1342
Links for mobile apps:
Dec 16, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
December 16, 2020
Pamela and Mason SilvaAsk NMC student Pamela Silva what she wants for Christmas, and the 56-year-old Traverse City resident will likely say she already has everything she could want: her children and grandchildren, good health, a job, and a 4.0 grade point average.
Her NMC instructors will say Silva’s greatest gift is what she shares willingly: the grit and perseverance that allowed her to prevail over real-world challenges.
“I feel so blessed that I get to go to school, that I get to learn, that I get to do what I enjoy,” said Silva, a one-time high school dropout. Since then, she’s navigated single parenthood, losing a kidney, cancer and a career change.
Nicole Fewins, Silva’s business math instructor, says her contributions to student forums enriched the class with value that a textbook or lecture can’t provide.
“It really makes a difference,” Fewins said.
Becca Richardson, who taught Silva for two semesters, said her maturity in the classroom— always prepared and putting forth her best effort — was welcome.
“She always made the class environment an optimal environment,” Richardson said. “She gave the other students a good example to follow.”
It was a turnaround for Silva, too, who belatedly earned her high school diploma in 1987 and briefly attended NMC in the early 1990s, but didn’t complete her degree.
“I felt like I didn’t need a Plan B,” said Silva, who then earned a good salary in retail management, and had worked hard to build back her credit and financial security after her health issues.
“When I had cancer, financially it took me under. I fell between every crack that there was,” Silva said.
But the job required constant travel between the 27 stores she managed and she found life in a corporation stressful. She changed careers, going to cosmetology school and taking over her mother’s hair salon, PS Perfect Styles. She became a grandmother. The best was yet to come, however.
Cancer had eliminated the possibility of siblings for Silva’s only daughter. Yet she became a mother again in 2015, when she adopted her step-grandson Mason.
“I was never able to have more children, and I always wanted more,” she said. She took the salon down to “extreme part-time” to focus on raising Mason. But the lesson from decades ago had stuck with her, and in fall 2019 as her son began kindergarten, she enrolled at NMC to finish what she started.
“I have this whole second chance to do it all over again,” Silva said. “It’s definitely what drives me.”
She chose accounting, a stable, good-paying, sit-down job, as one she could do as she grows older.
“Having such a young child, I had to rethink retirement and what I will be able to continue doing,” she said.
They had one normal semester before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Mason’s school went virtual. Silva considered whether she should stop out again, but decided to stick with it. Now she supervises six-year-old Mason’s online classes during the day while nannying for a two-year-old. Evenings she works in her salon. Nights and weekends are for her own classes, and NMC’s online options are key.
“I am able to fit my studies into my schedule, not fit my schedule into my studies. That’s very important for a single working parent,” she said. “I am certain that the work I am doing now will improve my son and my future.”
Dec 16, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
December 16, 2020
Pamela and Mason SilvaAsk NMC student Pamela Silva what she wants for Christmas, and the 56-year-old Traverse City resident will likely say she already has everything she could want: her children and grandchildren, good health, a job, and a 4.0 grade point average.
Her NMC instructors will say Silva’s greatest gift is what she shares willingly: the grit and perseverance that allowed her to prevail over real-world challenges.
“I feel so blessed that I get to go to school, that I get to learn, that I get to do what I enjoy,” said Silva, a one-time high school dropout. Since then, she’s navigated single parenthood, losing a kidney, cancer and a career change.
Nicole Fewins, Silva’s business math instructor, says her contributions to student forums enriched the class with value that a textbook or lecture can’t provide.
“It really makes a difference,” Fewins said.
Becca Richardson, who taught Silva for two semesters, said her maturity in the classroom— always prepared and putting forth her best effort — was welcome.
“She always made the class environment an optimal environment,” Richardson said. “She gave the other students a good example to follow.”
It was a turnaround for Silva, too, who belatedly earned her high school diploma in 1987 and briefly attended NMC in the early 1990s, but didn’t complete her degree.
“I felt like I didn’t need a Plan B,” said Silva, who then earned a good salary in retail management, and had worked hard to build back her credit and financial security after her health issues.
“When I had cancer, financially it took me under. I fell between every crack that there was,” Silva said.
But the job required constant travel between the 27 stores she managed and she found life in a corporation stressful. She changed careers, going to cosmetology school and taking over her mother’s hair salon, PS Perfect Styles. She became a grandmother. The best was yet to come, however.
Cancer had eliminated the possibility of siblings for Silva’s only daughter. Yet she became a mother again in 2015, when she adopted her step-grandson Mason.
“I was never able to have more children, and I always wanted more,” she said. She took the salon down to “extreme part-time” to focus on raising Mason. But the lesson from decades ago had stuck with her, and in fall 2019 as her son began kindergarten, she enrolled at NMC to finish what she started.
“I have this whole second chance to do it all over again,” Silva said. “It’s definitely what drives me.”
She chose accounting, a stable, good-paying, sit-down job, as one she could do as she grows older.
“Having such a young child, I had to rethink retirement and what I will be able to continue doing,” she said.
They had one normal semester before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Mason’s school went virtual. Silva considered whether she should stop out again, but decided to stick with it. Now she supervises six-year-old Mason’s online classes during the day while nannying for a two-year-old. Evenings she works in her salon. Nights and weekends are for her own classes, and NMC’s online options are key.
“I am able to fit my studies into my schedule, not fit my schedule into my studies. That’s very important for a single working parent,” she said. “I am certain that the work I am doing now will improve my son and my future.”
Dec 14, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
A heartfelt thank you to the record number of Giving Tuesday donors who raised a total of $26,760 to support the greatest needs of NMC students and the college, including wifi hotspots and laptops.
The total surpassed the NMC Foundation’s original goal by more than $11,000!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Dec 14, 2020 | Intercom
Thank you to all the Hawk Owl elves who helped make NMC’s very first virtual holiday party a big success, including Mark Liebling, Emily Crull, Kyle Morrison, Joy Goodchild (who organized the cookie exchange), trivia master Cathy Brown, MC Lindsey Dickinson and Jim Bensley, AKA Santa Claus. Congratulations to the Aviation Division for winning the Ugly Sweater contest, and to Nick Nissley for his good humor. And thank you to all who took part in any or all of the Home for the Holidays events, including the December 11 virtual celebration.
Holiday Cookie Exchange Winners
Our 2020 virtual cookie exchange was a hit, with 14 entries! It was impossible to select just one winner this year, so two were chosen: Les Eckert’s Pink Grapefruit Shortbread (right) and Brittany Hanbury’s Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies. Cora Wagner also won the Best Helper Award for her assistance with Cathy Warner’s Russian Tea Cakes.
As promised, we have posted the recipes that were submitted so that you can make one (or all!) of them at home. See all of the entries and download your favorite recipes here.
Ugly Sweater Contest Winner
Congratulations to the Aviation Department, winners of the 2020 Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest! The winning entry was determined by an audience-wide poll at the NMC Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 11.
Other outstanding entries included the The Business Office, NMC Foundation, Public Relations, and Hans Van Sumeren. See all of the entries here.
Dec 14, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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.
Opinion: NMC urges action on legislation to expand access to nursing education
Record-Eagle, Dec. 9 (more…)
Dec 14, 2020 | Intercom, President Updates
Happy holidays and congratulations on a successful fall semester! I hope soon you will have time to rest, relax and recharge. This year, that will be even more important than ever. That’s why we’ve prioritized closing the college between Christmas and New Year’s. I am looking forward to spending some time with my wife and daughters, and also some time outdoors hiking and reflecting on all we’ve faced this year. We’ve been so busy reacting to the urgency of the historic events, that we haven’t truly been able to understand the magnitude of what we’ve been through, and all we have accomplished for our learners and with each other.
As you know, I am a people person. I get my energy and my inspiration from seeing and talking with all of you, hearing your stories, learning about your families, your hobbies, your students and your team members. Your challenges make me want to break down hurdles so you have a smoother path ahead, your successes I want to shout from the rooftops! But even more than that, it’s the determination I see in your eyes when you are focused on how to make our college better and improve the lives of our students.
I see that same glint of determination in the eyes of our students as they’ve also been faced with incredible challenges this year. Whether it’s students from SGA, the commitment scholars program, Phi Theta Kappa, North Hall, Lobell’s or Parsons Stulen, they all have been so honest and heartfelt when they share with me how hard this year has been, and how much they miss things they used to take for granted. But the conversation never ends there. They always take a breath, their eyes focus in and they tell me how they remain committed to continuing toward their goals. I see that same look in your eyes. I am so proud of this spirit our students have, I also know they get that from each of you. It is part of who we are as a college community. That’s what has allowed us to not only rise to the challenges of this year, but I know will continue to propel us forward no matter how our world keeps changing. It is because of you that our students are successful, that our college is successful. And we must take the time to recognize and celebrate that, especially this year. We have more reasons than ever to be proud of who we are. I am so very proud of you.
Thank you, sincerely, for everything you do everyday. I am proud of what we have done together this year, and am excited to see what we can accomplish together in the new year and beyond!
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Dec 11, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Learn five tips on how to set goals & hold yourself accountable all year long. Access the newsletter HERE.
Dec 11, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Anyone having difficulties navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has a mental health hotline you can access for free and confidential access to counselors 24/7. Language translation is available for non-English-speaking residents who call the counseling line. MDHHS COVID-19 Help Hotline: (888) 535-6136, choose prompt 8. To access other mental health resources for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Michigan.gov/StayWell.
Dec 11, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Dec 11, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Honoree’s Names: Donna Palmer and Cathy Brown
Reason for Kudos: Kudos to Donna and Cathy for helping orchestrate the Foundation personnel and furniture move from Founders Hall to the University Center. There are a lot of moving parts to these endeavors and we thank Donna and Cathy for being on top of the project.
Honoree’s Name: Grounds Department
Reason for Kudos: Kudos to the Grounds crew for helping move the Foundation staff’s personal effects and furniture from Founders Hall to the University Center. You guys are great!
Honoree’s Name: Amanda Gower
Honoree’s Dept./Division: Foundation
Reason for Kudos: Kudos to Amanda Gower for her detailed planning for the Foundation personnel and furniture move from Founders Hall to the University Center. Your planning upfront helped everyone involved with the move.
Honoree’s Name: Vicki Cook
Honoree’s Dept./Division: Administrative Services
Reason for Kudos: Kudos to Vicki Cook for securing payment for the ATLAS video library. This library will allow the Introduction to Teaching course to run during the Spring and Fall semesters by enabling students to observe K-12 classrooms virtually.
Honoree’s Name: Hollie DeWalt
Honoree’s Dept./Division: HR
Reason for Kudos: Hollie was so helpful throughout the whole employee enrollment process. She promptly answered all questions, even following up with suggestions, and the added bonus of having all of our data from last year roll over into this year’s plan was so incredibly helpful. I really appreciate the extra help Hollie!!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Dec 11, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Mark your calendars for the 2020 Mini Holiday Artist Market!
Please join us online this year for a mini version of the annual Holiday Artist Market.
This year has been far from normal, but the staff at the DMC is working hard to continue this yearly tradition. We’ve continued to rework our plans in response to the pandemic and the guidelines in place for the safety of our students, staff and community.
New this year, you can also shop the market online! Our redesigned website will offer free curbside pickup and $5 shipping. NMC staff and students get a 10% discount by using the code NMC10.
Dec 8, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past week. 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.
Field of 15 in running for vacant TCAPS board seat
Record-Eagle, Dec. 8
The Ticker, Dec. 7 (more…)
Dec 8, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Santa will be riding Traverse City’s antique fire engine through NMC’s campus and neighborhoods at the base of Old Mission Peninsula this Thursday, Dec. 10.
He will be traveling between 3 and 5 p.m. so be prepared for your Santa sighting then!
Dec 8, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
As of fall 2020, NMC instructors have saved students an estimated $2 million by switching to open educational resources — free, open and low-cost textbooks beginning in 2015. The amount saved and number of courses taught by these textbook heroes has risen each fall and spring semester. And now, more than 50 NMC classes have no accompanying textbook costs.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Dec 8, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Our Priority Health Wellness Consultant, Chrissie Gonzales, will be opening up virtual office hours for NMC wellness members. If you have questions about the Wellbeing Hub, upcoming programs, or general wellness questions or concerns, please schedule a time to meet HERE Appointments are 15 minutes long, additional time can be scheduled if needed.
Also, don’t forget to complete your Health Assessment on the Wellbeing Hub! It’s not too late — log in through your priorityhealth.com member portal and complete the short Health Assessment to unlock personalized health and wellness programs geared toward helping you meet your goals and improve your overall wellbeing. Complete four rewardable programs on the Hub to be entered in the final prize drawing when the program year wraps up in the spring!
Dec 8, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Honoree’s Name: Jay Smith
Honoree’s Dept./Division: Engineering
Reason for Kudos: Jay did a great job presenting “Experiential Learning in Intro to Engineering” at the Board of Trustees meeting Monday night! The presentation showcased his commitment to whole person learning by using Experiential Learning and his focus on career exploration. Jay is giving his students the skills, traits, and content needed to succeed in the 21st century! NMC is lucky to have such a caring, professional, and excellent instructor! Thank you for sharing your real-world project, Jay!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
