Nov 1, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Five education and nonprofit partners this week announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Freshwater Research and Innovation Center on West Grand Traverse Bay on the current site of the Discovery Center & Pier.
The five partners are the Discovery Center & Pier, Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect and 20Fathoms.
Once complete, the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will establish the Grand Traverse region as a hub for applied freshwater innovation offering research, education, commercialization, incubation, and acceleration programs. Phase 1 of development is currently underway and includes fundraising, pier development, campus design and planning, and governance.
Each partner brings expertise and resources to the effort.
Discovery Center
“The Discovery Center will serve as the conduit between the community and the research, educational opportunities and activities at the Center,” said Matt McDonough, CEO of the Discovery Center.
The Discovery Center will develop public-facing programs highlighting the research underway, new technologies being developed at the Center, and the academic programs in marine technology and freshwater sciences available at NMC and MTU. “Our goal will be to educate the public about what is happening at the Center and inspire tomorrow’s workforce,” said McDonough.
Michigan Tech
As established regional leaders in freshwater research and education, Michigan Tech will help develop marine technology and operations plans for the new center in Traverse City. Additionally, the university will collaborate on research projects, workforce development programming and professional development projects that will highlight the freshwater science and technology developed by Tech and other partners. Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek believes the new center in Traverse City is a perfect complement to the world-class work already being done by the university at its Great Lakes Research Center in Houghton and at the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor.
“We are delighted to continue growing our partnership with the Greater Traverse region,” said Koubek, who was first to sign the memorandum of understanding between the five partners. “This latest MOU supports our mutual commitment to advancing research focused on the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
Northwestern Michigan College
“NMC views the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center as an accelerator for our strategic plan goals related to the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives.
Slade noted that NMC has been active in academic programming and professional development training in all focus areas of the new collaboration, including autonomous and remote technology, freshwater and marine technologies and emerging environmental technologies.The Center will also provide experiential learning opportunities for NMC students and research projects for students in NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology.
Traverse Connect
Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region and supports business growth and development by encouraging the growth of our existing assets – healthy partner relationships, the scaling up of our existing companies – and attracting new business.
“The development of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will ensure that the Grand Traverse region is well positioned to be the global epicenter for freshwater research, industry, and innovation,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “The partnership of key educational institutions and nonprofit organizations will generate tremendous economic opportunity for our region by attracting entrepreneurs and innovators working to protect and improve the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
20Fathoms
20Fathoms is a tech startup incubator and coworking space in Traverse City, providing resources to help entrepreneurs and tech professionals grow their businesses and careers. The organization plans to locate their incubation program in the innovation center when complete.
“The innovation center in Traverse City will support emerging startups drive the commercialization of freshwater and marine technology applications that solve problems affecting the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems throughout the world,” said Eric Roberts, Executive Director of 20Fathoms. “This is a strong partnership with Michigan Tech, NMC, Discovery Pier, and Traverse Connect, and we’re all working together to create something that our community will be proud of.”
Release date: NOVEMBER 1, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Nov 1, 2022 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Five education and nonprofit partners this week announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Freshwater Research and Innovation Center on West Grand Traverse Bay on the current site of the Discovery Center & Pier.
The five partners are the Discovery Center & Pier, Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect and 20Fathoms.
Once complete, the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will establish the Grand Traverse region as a hub for applied freshwater innovation offering research, education, commercialization, incubation, and acceleration programs. Phase 1 of development is currently underway and includes fundraising, pier development, campus design and planning, and governance.
Each partner brings expertise and resources to the effort.
Discovery Center
“The Discovery Center will serve as the conduit between the community and the research, educational opportunities and activities at the Center,” said Matt McDonough, CEO of the Discovery Center.
The Discovery Center will develop public-facing programs highlighting the research underway, new technologies being developed at the Center, and the academic programs in marine technology and freshwater sciences available at NMC and MTU. “Our goal will be to educate the public about what is happening at the Center and inspire tomorrow’s workforce,” said McDonough.
Michigan Tech
As established regional leaders in freshwater research and education, Michigan Tech will help develop marine technology and operations plans for the new center in Traverse City. Additionally, the university will collaborate on research projects, workforce development programming and professional development projects that will highlight the freshwater science and technology developed by Tech and other partners. Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek believes the new center in Traverse City is a perfect complement to the world-class work already being done by the university at its Great Lakes Research Center in Houghton and at the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor.
“We are delighted to continue growing our partnership with the Greater Traverse region,” said Koubek, who was first to sign the memorandum of understanding between the five partners. “This latest MOU supports our mutual commitment to advancing research focused on the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
Northwestern Michigan College
“NMC views the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center as an accelerator for our strategic plan goals related to the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives.
Slade noted that NMC has been active in academic programming and professional development training in all focus areas of the new collaboration, including autonomous and remote technology, freshwater and marine technologies and emerging environmental technologies.The Center will also provide experiential learning opportunities for NMC students and research projects for students in NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology.
Traverse Connect
Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region and supports business growth and development by encouraging the growth of our existing assets – healthy partner relationships, the scaling up of our existing companies – and attracting new business.
“The development of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will ensure that the Grand Traverse region is well positioned to be the global epicenter for freshwater research, industry, and innovation,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “The partnership of key educational institutions and nonprofit organizations will generate tremendous economic opportunity for our region by attracting entrepreneurs and innovators working to protect and improve the Great Lakes ecosystem.”
20Fathoms
20Fathoms is a tech startup incubator and coworking space in Traverse City, providing resources to help entrepreneurs and tech professionals grow their businesses and careers. The organization plans to locate their incubation program in the innovation center when complete.
“The innovation center in Traverse City will support emerging startups drive the commercialization of freshwater and marine technology applications that solve problems affecting the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems throughout the world,” said Eric Roberts, Executive Director of 20Fathoms. “This is a strong partnership with Michigan Tech, NMC, Discovery Pier, and Traverse Connect, and we’re all working together to create something that our community will be proud of.”
Release date: NOVEMBER 1, 2022
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
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
Nov 1, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Oct 31, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
We warmly invite you to kick-off your holiday shopping and support local and Michigan artists at our beloved 23rd annual Holiday Artist Market on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Engage with over 30 artists, shop unique gifts and fine art, and stroll through our exhibits during these free museum days.
From traditional paintings to eye-catching ceramics and accessories made from textiles, metals, glass and more, there is truly a gift to be found for everyone. The Museum Store’s festive holiday display will feature handmade ornaments, art objects made by local artists, holiday cards, 2023 calendars and Fair Trade gifts crafted by artisans around the world.
This year’s juried market features some changes that past market-goers will want to make note of. Artists will be handling all of their own sales in our Sculpture Court and Janis Room so come prepared to make your purchases at each booth.
Members, NMC staff and students receive their 10% discount on all purchases made in the store.
Oct 31, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Duane Dodge: The advising department unexpectedly had several staff members out this past week and we had to lean on Duane to hold down the fort. We are grateful to be able to rely on him always, especially times like this, and one of our busiest weeks! He went with the flow and helped us continue to help our students seamlessly. Thank you Duane for your dedication!
Kudos to Erika Cotner and Brittany Hanbury: Thank you for doing such a terrific job with the curatorial search for DMC. We sincerely appreciate your efforts in helping us make it the best possible process for our candidates!
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!
Oct 31, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC Community!
- Joe Cullinane, Custodian
- Matthew Kreft, Supplemental – Back of House Food Service
- Morgan Slater, Student Employee – Lobdell’s Purchasing and Receiving
- Anna Amaya, Student Employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Madison Cosgrove, Student Employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Mcgruire Butz, Supplemental – Front of House Food Service
- Breana Goodell – Surgical Technology Coordinator
- Emily Lindhout, Supplemental – Bookstore Clerk
- Evan Costas, Student Employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Elias Johnson, Student Employee – Residence Hall Front Desk
- Connor Bistoff, Student Employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Jonah Villanueva, Student Employee – Audio Tech Lab Assistant
- Mary Garay, Student Employee – Tutor
- Lily Perkins, Student Employee – Audio Tech Lab Assistant
- Matthew Ho-Ting Lok, Student Employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Weston Babcock, Supplemental – Human Resources Assistant
- Cathlyn Sommerfield – Adjunct Psychology Instructor
- Shane Hill – Adjunct Flight Instructor
- Robert Strang – Adjunct Flight Instructor
Oct 31, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Rob Rider was recently promoted to Telecom/IT Technician! Congratulations, Rob!
Oct 31, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Open Enrollment for 2023 is November 9–17. Two meetings will be held on November 9, 2022 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. All employees should have received a calendar invite for these open enrollment meetings. If you did not, please contact Hollie DeWalt.
A recorded session will be available on the website for those who are unable to attend. An open computer lab will be available on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 12–5 p.m. for those who need to make changes to their benefits.
Oct 31, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Stephen Siciliano and Tamella Livengood have spearheaded NMC’s effort to establish a BSN program on campus. We appreciate their ongoing efforts to help address the nursing shortage in northern Michigan and make healthcare more easily accessible for our community.
NMC has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for an ADN to BSN articulation agreement. Proposals are due November 14, 2022. A partner is expected to be identified by mid-December.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 31, 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.
Blue Tech takeover
Record Eagle, Oct. 30
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Oct 28, 2022 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
The International Affairs Forum continues on Tuesday, November 8 at 11 a.m. EST. This virtual event will focus on Ukraine, Russia, and NATO with Ambassador John Kornblum, former U.S. assistant secretary of state for European affairs and former U.S. ambassador to Germany.
Ambassdor Kornblum has a deep record of service in the United States and Europe both as a diplomat and as a businessman. He is recognized as an expert on U.S.-European political and economic relations, in particular in Central and Eastern Europe. He served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany from 1997 to 2001. Before that, he was U.S. assistant secretary of state for European affairs in the Clinton administration – a critical phase for Europe and Russia just after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He was special envoy for the Dayton Peace Process, U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Process), deputy U.S. ambassador to NATO, and U.S. minister and deputy commandant of forces in divided Berlin. Kornblum was born in Detroit, MI. He earned a B.A. from Michigan State University in 1964 and has been the recipient of many awards, including a Knights Cross of the Order of Merit from Germany and an Order of Merit from Austria. He will connect with IAF from his home in Germany.
Jack Segal will moderate the discussion. Segal is a former senior U.S. diplomat and former IAF Board co-chair. In the Clinton administration, he was the National Security Council director for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, and served ten years as senior political advisor to the NATO Commander where he was responsible for Afghanistan policy. He is an active instructor at NMC Extended Education on a variety of global affairs topics.
This virtual event will be available to livestream on Zoom. Registration is required with a suggested donation of $10.
All IAF regular season events are open to the public. Current students and educators receive free access with registration. For livestream registration and event details, visit TCIAF.com.
Oct 27, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC community is invited to attend the 47th annual Mariners Memorial Service. The service will take place in the courtyard of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus at 715 E. Front Street.
This Memorial Service, held to remember and honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and oceans, is sponsored by the Student Propeller Club, Port 150, of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
The service begins at noon on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Guests are invited to enter the facility through the glass exhibition hall and proceed into the outdoor courtyard on the north side (harbor side) of the Academy.
For more information, call the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at (231) 995-1200.
Release date: October 27, 2022
For more information:
Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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
Oct 26, 2022 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC community is invited to attend the 47th annual Mariners Memorial Service. The service will take place in the courtyard of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus at 715 E. Front Street.
This Memorial Service, held to remember and honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and oceans, is sponsored by the Student Propeller Club, Port 150, of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
The service begins at noon on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Guests are invited to enter the facility through the glass exhibition hall and proceed into the outdoor courtyard on the north side (harbor side) of the Academy.
For more information, call the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at (231) 995-1200.
Release date: October 27, 2022
For more information:
Scott Fairbank
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
sfairbank@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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
Oct 26, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
October 26, 2022
A new, $30 million state scholarship fund to train more police officers is coinciding with major changes to NMC’s Police Academy, setting up an enrollment to employment pipeline that will ultimately benefit community safety.
Announced last week, the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program was established to help address the critical need for additional police officers statewide by reducing or eliminating the cost associated with basic police training. Law enforcement agencies are eligible for up to $20,000 per recruit for academy tuition and other training costs.
Grand Traverse County Undersheriff Mike Shea (left) said that will be a boost to his department, which earlier this year had 10 vacancies in the patrol division. He just attended the Michigan Sheriffs Association conference and of the 70 counties represented, all but one or two were struggling with vacancies.
“We are bleeding police officers. They are leaving the profession at an alarming rate,” said Shea, a 2005 NMC Police Academy alumnus himself.
“It serves both the agency and the student,” NMC Police Academy director Gail Kurowski said of the scholarship. “There are a lot of people that might be considering a career in law enforcement that don’t have the financial wherewithal to put themselves through a program.”
Applications are now open for agencies who intend to enroll recruits in an academy session beginning on or after January 1. Next fall is also when NMC debuts a new, four-month structure for its academy. That cuts in half the current time needed to complete the program and will allow NMC to better compete for students it might have previously lost to condensed academies.
“The 16-week program is going to be huge,” said Shea, who already has a candidate in mind as Grand Traverse County’s first employed recruit to start next fall.
“We’re not only not going to lose the people we have in the past to other academies that are condensed, but hopefully we’re going to attract others because of what we have to offer,” Shea said.
NMC is the only academy to offer drone certification to its recruits, for instance. NMC also far exceeds the minimum requirement for scenario training, which simulates real-world situations, set by MCOLES, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
“We are going to have over 60 hours of scenario training,” she said.“That is huge. There is no academy in Michigan that’s going to have that.”
The $20,000 per recruit would more than cover NMC’s tuition. NMC is also the northernmost academy in the state, making it an attractive option for agencies from the UP and northern lower peninsula. Shea said another plus is that NMC’s instructors are all either law enforcement officers or attorneys.
“There is no one better to teach than those who are living it,” he said.
The combined impact of NMC’s condensed program and the new scholarship should increase the ranks of those seeking to enter what Shea called “a noble profession.”
“I’m very hopeful that that pendulum will change,” he said.
Oct 25, 2022 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important changes ahead with the admissions team at NMC. After many years as Director of Admissions, Cathryn Claerhout has made the decision to transition to become the Customer Relations Management specialist within the Admissions Department. Cathryn has been a valued member of the Enrollment Services team who worked with many departments across the college toward our common goals. During her leadership she:
- reshaped and modernized the college’s approach to recruiting, helping to introduce strategic enrollment management practices at the college.
- implemented the college’s current CRM platform managing communications with prospective students.
- presided over a large increase in early college and dual enrollment initiatives with local high schools.
- served in leadership roles in numerous professional associations around the state.
- has been a lead for two of the college’s strategic plan objectives.
- served within college governance as a member of the Planning and Budget Council, AP Council, and the Employee Recognition Committee.
Cathryn will stay on as Director of Admissions until the College hires her replacement. Please take a moment to thank Cathryn for her leadership and accomplishments and wish her well in her new role.
—
Todd Neibauer
Vice President for Student Services and Technologies
Northwestern Michigan College
(231) 995-1671
Oct 25, 2022 | Announcements & News, Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees recently completed an evaluation of President Nissley. This year the Board of Trustees contracted with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to coordinate its review process. The process included a core leadership competency evaluation, an evaluation of progress toward the strategic plan and ACCT-facilitated interviews with each trustee.
Overall, the board agreed President Nissley is meeting expectations. They pointed to several 2022 successes, including the successful negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with the Michigan Education Association, the development of new maritime certifications in the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, and the focus on the implementation of the strategic plan, NMC Next. The Board of Trustees also complimented President Nissley’s leadership skills in improving morale at the College, specifically with the faculty, and serving as an advocate for NMC in the community and in government affairs.
Read the full performance evaluation here.
Oct 24, 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.
Cheers to the Student Success Center
Record-Eagle, Oct. 22
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Oct 24, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
There are over 40 courses at NMC where instructors use open educational resources (free and low-cost textbooks) which has saved students an estimated $230,000 this semester alone and almost $3 million since 2015. Thank you for helping to offset these costs so that education can remain affordable and accessible to our community.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
