Apr 26, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Haley Francis. Kudos to Haley Francis, Student Health Services Office Manager, for providing a welcoming and friendly face for student health services. She’s always eager to help the students and identifies ways we can improve to meet their health care needs. She’s developed several useful resources for the clinic to help our day run smoothly.
Kudos to Stephanie Bloye. Kudos to Stephanie Bloye, student health services RN, for her dedication to providing professional health care and educating students. We appreciate her creative efforts to update and create clinic resources. Stephanie has developed several educational materials to help relay important health information to students in a fun and interactive way.
Kudos to Amy Pflughoeft. Amy Pflughoeft recently orchestrated a rich opportunity for the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. On behalf of the library, she applied for a host grant from the Library of Michigan to bring a 2024 Michigan Notable Book author to Traverse City. Amy engaged the GLCI team to parlay this community event into an experiential learning opportunity for culinary students. As a result, Abra Berens, author and chef of Pulp: A Practical Guide to Cooking with Fruit came to Traverse City on April 11 to participate in a community conversation, facilitated by Jacob Wheeler, about food, cooking & writing, the life of a chef, and the payoffs of demonstrating resilience in pursuit of ones’ passion. The audience also enjoyed two samples from the cookbook Pulp prepared by GCLI students under the supervision of GLCI Instructor, Chef Wenz. The next morning, Ms. Berens met with Chef Morses’ graduating students to hear their culminating projects on creating a full menu for a concept restaurant and provide feedback.
The instructors at GLCI were so appreciative to expose their students to a nationally acclaimed chef with local ties and passion for the agricultural lands and produce of the region.
From Les Eckert, Director of Culinary-GLCI, “Amy was a joy to work with and was truly motivated to collaborate in many ways. She created multiple avenues for students, instructors, industry chefs, and community members to engage with Abra. Kudos to a job well done.”
From Jim Morse, GLCI Instructor, “Amy was very organized and communicated extremely well with all of us as she brought her vision to reality. She was thorough in every detail of orchestrating and hosting Abra for this wonderful event. Our students and local American Culinary Federation chapter were delighted to be a part of the event and prepare some delicious samples from her latest book, Pulp.”
From Kerrey Woughter, NMC Library Director, “Amy went so far above and beyond with this project. As the library liaison to GCLI, she is constantly exploring resources and experiences to support this unique program. This collaboration paid off in exciting ways for the community and our students.”
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!
Apr 26, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
The primary entrance to the Great Lakes Campus at Barlow Street will be closed from April 29 through approximately May 10 as part of the Grandview Parkway reconstruction project. The Sunset Park entrance at Hope St. will remain open. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself extra time.
Apr 26, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
NMC employees and students were sent a survey on Thursday to gather their perspective for a comprehensive brand assessment and strategy development project. This important work builds upon the strategic plan and facilities master plan.
Please complete this survey if you have not done so already. Your unique perspective is important as we work to shape the future of the NMC brand with students, counselors, high schools, and the Grand Traverse community. Your responses will remain confidential—none of your responses will be associated with your email, name, or other identifying information. Please check your email for more information and to access the survey.
Apr 26, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
NMC employees are invited to attend the annual employee recognition event which will be held on Thursday, May 9 at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. Special honorees include excellence award recipients, service award recipients2 and those who have retired during the past year. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend!
Apr 26, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Award recipients will be announced at the You Made It Possible employee celebration on Thursday, May 9 at the Hagerty Center. We hope to see you there! Remember to RSVP!
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Apr 26, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold an Audit Committee meeting Tuesday, April 30 in the President’s Office conference room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s main campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Apr 24, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
April 24, 2024
Even though there’s 60 years between them, this commencement season NMC faculty member Steve Drake and alumna Aliyah Nowlin are both celebrating firsts.
Math and science instructor Drake, 81, will embark on retirement as NMC’s longest-serving instructor. He’s wrapping up a career after more than 15,000 students, 53 years and almost as many math-themed neckties. Nowlin, 21, (right) is the first graduate of NMC’s BSN partnership with Davenport University. She earned her associate degree in nursing from NMC in 2023 and her bachelor’s from Davenport this spring.
While Drake looks back and Nowlin looks forward, they both are all smiles when they talk about NMC.
“I really enjoyed teaching. I still do,” said Drake (left), who first stepped foot in an NMC classroom in 1971. He won NMC’s Faculty Excellence Award twice and taught at least six students who became faculty colleagues. He’s the recipient of multiple National Science Foundation grants and helped build NMC’s strong reputation for transfer preparation with four-year universities. But his own accomplishments are of secondary importance.
“My greatest pride and joy has been having my former students tell me about their successes,” said Drake.
While he never taught Nowlin, she fits the bill of a successful student. She started at NMC in 2020 as a dual-enrolled Manton High School student. With her associate and bachelor’s degrees finished, this fall she’ll move right on to her master’s degree in nursing, while also working on the stroke/telemetry unit at Munson Medical Center. She estimates that the partnership, which includes concurrent NMC-Davenport classes, saved her more than $3,000.
“I wouldn’t be starting my master’s this fall without that partnership program,” said Nowlin, who also took advantage of tuition reimbursement offered to employees by Munson. “I’m 21 years old and have a lifetime of nursing ahead of me.”
Through the partnership, NMC students get Davenport credit for passing the NCLEX state licensing exam, which comes at the end of the associate degree program.
“With the way the program is set up, they gave me a chunk of credits for just having my license,” Nowlin said. “That’s a third of your BSN, right there. That was really empowering for me.”
Among the 641 students in NMC’s Class of 2024, about half will put their degree or certificate to work. The other half will transfer to a four-year school.
Whether they are planning for future education or not, Drake, one of four faculty retirees this year, encourages graduates to still maintain a learner mindset, as he has.
“Be willing to change with the times,” said Drake, who’s navigated a monumental shift in technology during his career
“When I first came to NMC, I was using slide rules and tables books,” Drake said. Now, his trusty TI-84 Plus CE calculator can do in a minute what used to take hours. But it’s a mistake to think a computer or calculators can replace the human brain.
“You’re handling difficult, challenging problems,” he said. “You have to be able to set it up for the calculator to do the grunt work.”
COVID-19 was a change both Drake and Nowlin navigated. Drake had only taught face-to-face, but found livestreaming wasn’t all that different. For Nowlin, who was dual-enrolled at NMC and Manton High School during her senior year, all classes were already online. She thinks the way she adapted to online learning helped with the nursing program.
“I kind of got my foot in the door at NMC and thought that was really helpful,” she said.
The ability to adapt to changes and learn new skills is one she now embraces.
“I can do anything with a nursing license,” she said.
NMC expects five more graduates of the BSN program in August.
Apr 23, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2024 will be held Saturday, May 4 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
About 210 graduates are expected to participate in the three ceremonies. More than 640 degrees and certificates will be awarded this spring, including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing. Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology will also be awarded. In addition to the main ceremonies, specific events are also held for Maritime, Nursing and Police Academy graduates.
NMC will also hold its annual Honors Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 3 at the Dennos Museum Center. The event honors student groups and student leaders, and winners of the annual academic area awards, honors scholarships, and Adult Student of the Year.
Release date: APRIL 24, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
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
Apr 23, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — At the invitation of a group of Benzie County residents, Northwestern Michigan College trustees voted unanimously at their April 22 meeting to place an annexation proposition before Benzie County voters on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.
If voters approve, Benzie County would join Grand Traverse County as part of NMC’s taxing district, paying a millage (property tax) to support college operations. In turn, residents would receive NMC’s lowest tuition rates. Benzie County is not currently part of a community college district.
NMC’s taxing district has been limited to Grand Traverse County since it was founded in 1951. The possibility of Benzie County joining the district was raised by a group of Benzie County residents in 2019. Since then NMC has held 25 listening sessions throughout the county to determine whether to move forward.
Benzie voters will see two separate ballot questions. The first will ask them to vote yes or no on the annexation. The second will ask them to vote yes or no on the millage in perpetuity. Both must pass for the annexation to take effect and the millage to be collected starting in 2025.
If approved:
- Benzie County residents could attend NMC as in-district students and pay a lower rate ($122/contact hour) than the current out-of-district rate ($261/contact hour.)
- NMC would establish a physical presence in Benzie County, envisioned to include teaching/classroom space, a computer lab and technology resources for students, meeting spaces and office space for permanent and visiting staff.
- NMC would net an additional $2.6 million/year due to the millage.
NMC’s current in-district millage rate is 2.0574. For the owner of a $200,000 home, annexation would cost $206 per year. For the owner of a $300,000 home, it would cost $309 per year. For the owner of a $400,000 home, it would cost $411 per year.
Release date: APRIL 23, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
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-discrimination
Apr 22, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Congratulations to Nick Roster, science and math instructor, who was named the Environmentalist of the Year in education by the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council last week. Read about the Boardman River research project he introduced to students this year.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Apr 22, 2024 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
NMC’s 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.
Want to view upcoming classes at a glance? View the NEW Calendar of Classes.
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PickleU 20-class pass
NEW! NMC exclusive pass
Employee price: $40
Experience the thrill of pickleball at its finest with Pickle U’s exclusive 20-time Employee Pass! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this pass is tailored to offer you an unparalleled pickleball experience. Purchase includes an introductory lesson, 20 one-hour court sessions, and rental equipment.
Purchase pass
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 Great Lakes Children’s Museum family pass
NEW! NMC exclusive pass
Employee price: $37
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum provides a fun and interactive educational environment for the entire family. This NMC pass enables membership at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum for your family (anyone who resides in your home): unlimited museum admission along with invitations to special members-only events, a 10% discount at the Museum Store, and discounts on birthday parties, workshops, and special event programs.
Purchase pass
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Fitness Conditioning
16 sessions; Mondays & Wednesdays, April 29 – June 26; 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Employee price: $30 (Public price $249)
Condition your entire body by using a variety of modalities like Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardio. By using many different types of exercises that incorporate flexibility, strength, and resistance, you will build strength, agility, and power. Each hour-long class will challenge your mind and body, since no two classes are the same. Low impact modifications will be offered.
Register here
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Passport to Italy: Primavera
Thursday, May 2; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $37 (Public price $99)
Join us as we explore the food of a few of Italy’s twenty regions through the bounty of springtime. Using fresh, local produce such as asparagus, wild ramps, and rhubarb we will make a spread of inspired, Italian dishes.
Register here
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Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Apr 22, 2024 | 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.
NMEAC awards
Record-Eagle, April 22
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Apr 19, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Join the NMC Magazine staff from 3–5 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 in room 32 of Scholars Hall to celebrate the release of the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 issues.
Magazine contributors and supporters are invited to help us jazz up our office; we’ll be painting the wall bricks! Refreshments will be provided.
Keep an eye out for the award-winning NMC Magazine’s Spring 2024 issue, “Hues of NMC,” coming soon to campus newsstands!
Apr 19, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Registration is now open for all NMC Extended Education & Training summer adult classes. Community members are invited to enroll in classes ranging in topics from culinary and creative arts to Northern Naturalist, gardening, wellness, and more. New this summer are “Learn Together” classes, perfect for couples, friends, and even parents and children.
For teachers looking to earn SCECHs, and other professionals looking to upskill over the summer, hundreds of classes are available online. For organizations interested in training for their staff, customized solutions range from leadership, management, and soft skills to teamwork and technical training. To see all options visit nmc.edu/pd, or contact Elizabeth Sonnabend at esonnabend@nmc.edu for more information.
Life enrichment options include over 100 in-person classes from Culinary Date Nights and Masterclasses to the Northern Naturalist Certificate offerings, like Create Your Own Meadow. Additional classes are in fitness, wellness, art, home and hobby, music, and recreation. Field trips and day adventures that explore the local community, culture, and natural aspects of this area are available, such as Glen Lake Discovery Boat Tour.
Visit nmc.edu/ees to see all categories and class options.
Apr 19, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Cathlyn Sommerfield, Beckie Wooters, Laura Korch, Lisa Blackford, Rachel Wilczewski, Jerry Dobek, Jennifer Tripp, and John Zachman. Kudos to Cathlyn Sommerfield, Beckie Wooters, Laura Korch, Lisa Blackford, Rachel Wilczewski, Jerry Dobek, Jennifer Tripp and John Zachman for completing the professional development series EL 101 through the Experiential Learning Institute. These participants learned various experiential learning concepts and created Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs) for their courses!
Kudos to Joelle Hannert. Joelle has skillfully stepped into liaison and event planning roles that are above and beyond the scope of her regular work. Thanks to Joelle, you may see our youngest library users, the littles from the NMC daycare, tucked into booths in the NMC Library, reading picture books from our collection. You may have participated in the interactive DIY Zine table that Joelle created and facilitated as part of Dennos StoryPalooza. You may coordinate an event with Joelle, using the library space and/or the Library of Things collection. You may enjoy a book walk that celebrates diversity and literacy – Joelle has three planned for the spring and summer – keep your eyes out for them as you stroll the campus. Joelle is more than great hair, mastery of cataloging, or mad skills with a spreadsheet. She’s creative and collaborative and the campus-wide connections she made on behalf of the library this year would not have happened without her!.
Kudos to Sarah Denniston. Sarah is always so quick and helpful looking into our requests when new swag is needed. She even anticipates our needs and lets us know when she finds a new product that may better fit our needs is released. Thank you, Sarah!
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!
Apr 19, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Jessica Gonzalez – Student Success Coach
- Angela Roberts – Lead Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper
- Scott Trumbull – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Kyle Lawrence, supplemental – Assistant Tug/Vessels Engineer
- Shea O’Brien, supplemental – Enrollment Services Assistant
- Malachi Mills, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
Apr 19, 2024 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 106/107, on NMC’s main campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Apr 19, 2024 | Intercom
Thank you to those who were able to join us for this month’s virtual connection time the morning of Friday, April 19. If you were unable to attend or would like to review the meeting, a recording is available here.
The purpose of the virtual connections is to create a constructive connection time for employees between campuses. Departmental updates are shared, as well as upcoming events and important reminders.
The sessions don’t typically last for an entire hour, but there is time for questions and future topic suggestions. If you have questions to submit in advance of future virtual connections, please send them to lmoritz@nmc.edu.
