May 12, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — A nursing and a culinary instructor were named the 2017 winners of NMC’s annual Faculty Excellence awards at commencement ceremonies May 6.
Nursing instructor Mac Beeker is the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award winner. Culinary instructor Robert George is the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award winner. Chosen by a student selection committee, criteria for both awards include teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication.
Beeker began his career at NMC in 2015. He is also an NMC alumnus, graduating from the nursing program in 2010. In their nominations students said:
- “Every day after class I walk away knowing more than I ever thought I would.”
- “The instructor is truly a passionate teacher, who cares how each and every one of the students are doing, and wants all of them to succeed.”
- “This instructor is number one in my book. I have never had a more dedicated teacher.”
Read more about Mac Beeker here.
George began his career at NMC in 2006. In their nominations, students said:
- “I cannot say enough about how fortunate I feel to be in a class with this instructor. This is hard stuff to teach, yet this instructor does so cheerfully and seriously, and always with respect and 100 percent effort.”
- “By making the effort to have a personal connection to each and every student, the instructor helps everyone to feel calm and competent in a fairly stressful environment.”
- “The teacher also has many methods of teaching styles that help us learn the overwhelming amount of material.”
Both winners, coincidentally, are married to NMC employees. Beeker’s wife Mary Beeker is an NMC librarian. George’s wife Judy Chu is a communications faculty member.
The Faculty Excellence award was initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970 and first awarded to a full-time faculty member in 1971. The Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award was created in 1999 as a companion.
Release Date: May 12, 2017
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations and Marketing
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
May 11, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
2017 Outstanding Alumni named
TRAVERSE CITY — Two Northwestern Michigan College alumni were named winners of the annual Outstanding Alumni award at the 2017 commencement ceremonies held May 6.
Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, class of 1987, and Wei Cao, class of 2009, both received the award, bestowed on alumni with significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community.
Elsenheimer is a native of Traverse City. After he earned his associate’s degree at NMC he attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law 
School. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Antrim County before forming the firm of Young, Graham, Elsenheimer & Wendling, P.C., based in Bellaire.
After five years as a trustee on the Bellaire School Board, Elsenheimer was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004. He served for six years, where he was elected Assistant Speaker Pro Tem, Assistant Minority leader, and Minority Leader. He served in Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet as Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA.) In 2017, Elsenheimer was appointed to the 13th Circuit Court bench serving Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
“What a tremendous honor. I know that I was very, very well prepared for a career I never expected, frankly, by my time at NMC, because of the preparation I had from wonderful instructors,” Elsenheimer said in remarks at Commencement. “I am truly humbled.”
Since earning her degree, Wei has returned to her native China, where she lives in Beijing. There she serves as a major asset to NMC as the college has embarked on its strategic effort to expand international engagement and recruit international students over the last several years.
Currently an entrepreneur and consultant, Wei has served as a liaison with Chinese institutions on multiple NMC visits. She has been a link to Chinese art galleries for the Dennos, and to institutions like the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute, with whom NMC has a formal partnership and where NMC instructors will begin teaching in June. Dennos Museum Center director Gene Jenneman presented Wei with her award on a trip to China in April.
“I am greatly honored to have received this award,” she said. “I would like to thank NMC for all the guidance provided throughout these years even after graduation. I sincerely wish the best for NMC and I will keep sharing my experiences with China!”
NMC established the Outstanding Alumni award in 1988. It is the highest award NMC presents to an alumnus.
Release Date: May 11, 2017
For more information:
Betsy Coffia
Director of Alumni Relations
bcoffia@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
May 10, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
May 10, 2017
Samantha Oleson at the NMC Barbecue in 2007For many northern Michigan residents, the annual NMC Barbecue is a spring tradition. For Samantha Oleson, it goes back a lifetime.
The 22-year-old is part of the fourth generation of the Oleson family to carry on the fundraising picnic under the pines started in 1956 by her great-grandparents, Jerry and Frances Oleson.
This year she formally joined the Barbecue Board, the volunteer committee that spends several months planning the Barbecue, set for May 21 on NMC’s main campus. But the Sunday before Memorial weekend has long been a dedicated date on her calendar.
“I’ve been volunteering since I was seven years old,” Oleson said. She’s never missed a single Barbecue, even during her college years at Western Michigan University. “I would bring my friends and volunteer. It wasn’t something that I felt obligated to do, but I wanted to do.”
Mark, Frankie, Don and D.J. Oleson: Four generations enjoy the 2015 BarbecueA former dual-enrolled NMC student, Oleson is among a group of four cousins in the fourth generation of the family who now work in the Oleson’s stores. They continue to donate all the food for the Barbecue, which drew 7,678 people in 2016. On May 21, they’ll fan out for different day-of duties. Even fifth-generation Frankie Oleson, age 2 and a half, gets a job.
“He carried buckets,” said dad Mark Oleson, Samantha’s cousin. “He’s excited.”
They’ll still squeeze in time to enjoy the meal themselves.
“We eat on the steps, right past the serving lines,” Samantha Oleson said. “It’s great to see people come, year and year again, and see how dedicated they are to the college and the Barbecue.”
Besides the meal, the Barbecue includes classroom and program displays, free live music, a veteran’s tent and an alumni tent. Separate ticketed activities include children’s games and a cake walk.
Tickets are $6 in advance ($8 on Barbecue Day) and on sale now online and at Oleson’s Food Stores. Visit nmc.edu/bbq for more information.
May 10, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
May 10, 2017
Samantha Oleson at the NMC Barbecue in 2007For many northern Michigan residents, the annual NMC Barbecue is a spring tradition. For Samantha Oleson, it goes back a lifetime.
The 22-year-old is part of the fourth generation of the Oleson family to carry on the fundraising picnic under the pines started in 1956 by her great-grandparents, Jerry and Frances Oleson.
This year she formally joined the Barbecue Board, the volunteer committee that spends several months planning the Barbecue, set for May 21 on NMC’s main campus. But the Sunday before Memorial weekend has long been a dedicated date on her calendar.
“I’ve been volunteering since I was seven years old,” Oleson said. She’s never missed a single Barbecue, even during her college years at Western Michigan University. “I would bring my friends and volunteer. It wasn’t something that I felt obligated to do, but I wanted to do.”
Mark, Frankie, Don and D.J. Oleson: Four generations enjoy the 2015 BarbecueA former dual-enrolled NMC student, Oleson is among a group of four cousins in the fourth generation of the family who now work in the Oleson’s stores. They continue to donate all the food for the Barbecue, which drew 7,678 people in 2016. On May 21, they’ll fan out for different day-of duties. Even fifth-generation Frankie Oleson, age 2 and a half, gets a job.
“He carried buckets,” said dad Mark Oleson, Samantha’s cousin. “He’s excited.”
They’ll still squeeze in time to enjoy the meal themselves.
“We eat on the steps, right past the serving lines,” Samantha Oleson said. “It’s great to see people come, year and year again, and see how dedicated they are to the college and the Barbecue.”
Besides the meal, the Barbecue includes classroom and program displays, free live music, a veteran’s tent and an alumni tent. Separate ticketed activities include children’s games and a cake walk.
Tickets are $6 in advance ($8 on Barbecue Day) and on sale now online and at Oleson’s Food Stores. Visit nmc.edu/bbq for more information.
May 8, 2017 | Intercom
Those who have selected the Blue Cross medical plan are eligible to receive a $50 gift card for completing the Blue Cross Health & Wellness online Health Assessment and submitting their physician health screening form before Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
If you have misplaced your health screening form, you can print a new one through your Health and Wellness page!
To get started, log on or register your Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan account at bcbsm.com. You can also use the Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan mobile app. From there, select Health & Wellness.
Don’t have Blue Cross medical through NMC? You still have access to all the great features within the Blue Cross® Health & Wellness website, powered by WebMD®.
Contact Chris Barr or Hollie DeWalt for assistance.
- May Wellness Challenge– Log in to your Blue Cross Health & Wellness website and take a screen shot of an exercise video. You can submit one screen shot per week and earn up to 4 entries for a Fitbit Allta. All NMC employees are eligible to participate, even those who declined the medical insurance through NMC. For more information about how to participate, contact Hollie DeWalt or Chris Barr.
How do I redeem my $50 Gift Card?
Simply log into bcbsm.com, choose the Health & Wellness Tab in the blue bar at the top of the page, and finally choose Rewards in the gray bar. If you have completed both the online health assessment and submitted the physician screening form you will click on Redeem Now. If it still says Start Earning- then both forms have not been registered as complete. If you believe this is an error, make sure your doctor sent the form and then follow up with Hollie DeWalt or Chris Barr for assistance.
May 8, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Stephanie is the International Services and Service Learning Assistant and has been recognized for her exceptional degree of connectivity with students and her dedication to keeping learning at the center. NMC sends more students to study abroad than any other community college in Michigan, and Stephanie’s work is instrumental in making that happen.
May 8, 2017 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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May 4, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Note that dining services are open over the summer in the Hawk Owl Café only, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
The new hours start Monday, May 8.
May 4, 2017 | Intercom
Summer term is upon us. Due to limited staffing and hours, please give Roy in the Catering Department as much notice as you can when ordering a catered event.
catering@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1403
May 1, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2017 will be held Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at the Traverse City Central High School gymnasium. First-time highlights of this year’s event include three student veteran graduates walking with their service dogs, and the awarding of NMC’s first bachelor’s degree in marine technology.
Ceremonies will be streamed live starting at 2 p.m. online at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
About 260 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony. More than 700 students earned degrees this academic year including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies, Certificate of Practical Nursing, Certificate of Achievement and the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Technology. NMC will also award a Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology and eight associate degrees in surgical technology, the two newest degrees, for the first time.
Also for the first time, three service dogs will walk in the ceremony.
- Associate of Science and Arts graduate and U.S. Army retiree Andrew Banks, 37, of Traverse City, and his dog Mouse
- ASA graduate and Army veteran Lucas Clark, 27, of Rapid City, and his dog, Bailee Mae
- Associate of Applied Science (visual communications – creative management) graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran Nichole Hartley, 29, of Traverse City, and her dog, Zaia
All three students and dogs’ names will be read aloud, and all three dogs will receive special certificates in addition to the students’ diplomas.
This year’s student speaker is Connor Bebb, president of the NMC Student Government Association. Jim Bensley, adjunct humanities instructor and director of the office of International Services and Service Learning, will give the Commencement address as the 2016 Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award recipient.
The 2017 Outstanding Alumni award recipients will be named during the ceremony, as will the 2017 winners of the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award and Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award.
NMC University Center partner Ferris State University will award degrees to about 30 students as well.
A reception will follow the ceremony in the small gym.
Release Date: May 1, 2017
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
FOR VETERANS/SERVICE DOGS:
Scott Herzberg
POC, Military & Veteran Services/Advisor
sherzberg@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
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
Read about what our Training Services team is up to including upcoming classes that you may be able to take for free using the tuition reimbursement benefit: mailchi.mp/nmc/nmc-training-services-may-2017-newsletter
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
Those that have selected the Blue Cross medical plan are eligible to receive a $50 gift card for completing the Blue Cross Health & Wellness online Health Assessment and submitting their physician health screening form before Wednesday, May 31.
If you have misplaced your health screening form you can print a new one through your Health and Wellness page!
To get started, log on or register your Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan account at bcbsm.com. You can also use the Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan mobile app. From there, select Health & Wellness.
Don’t have Blue Cross medical through NMC? You still have access to all the great features within the Blue Cross® Health & Wellness website, powered by WebMD®.
Contact Chris Barr or Hollie DeWalt for assistance.
- May Wellness Challenge– Log in to your Blue Cross Health & Wellness website and take a screen shot of an exercise video. You can submit one screen shot per week and earn up to 4 entries for a Fitbit Allta. All NMC employees are eligible to participate, even those who declined the medical insurance through NMC. For more information about how to participate, contact Hollie DeWalt or Chris Barr.
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
Annual compliance training courses have been sent to you for the following courses:
If you have not yet completed your compliance training, please complete these before the end of the semester. *Remember to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. For questions or technical assistance, please contact the NMC Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@nmc.edu or (231) 995-3020 or HR at hr@nmc.edu.
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
If you taught as an adjunct faculty member for spring semester, you should have received an email this week with instructions on how to login and begin your annual review through the online Performance system.
The annual review supports of both NMC’s values and the Higher Learning Commission guidelines for accreditation, and:
- Recognizes and celebrates accomplishments
- Provides feedback on performance
- Captures and shares learning that has occurred
The annual review consists of four steps:
- Complete your Self-Review (Remember to review your Student Course Evaluations for this step.)
- Academic Chair/Designee completes review
- Both meet to discuss feedback (ideally in person, but can be done by phone.)
- Sign off on meeting and form electronically
Resources and instructions may be found here: employees.nmc.edu/depts/human-resources/employee-resources/adjunct-review/
The timeline for completion is:
- May 12 – Adjunct Faculty Member completes Self-Evaluation
- June 30 – Academic Chair/Designee (Reviewer) completes
- June 30 – Adjunct Faculty Member and Reviewer – Meet and sign off (electronically) that the review is complete
Please watch your NMC email for additional notifications from SilkRoad Performance. You will receive email reminders as the due date nears. All steps must be completed by June 30, 2017.
If you have any questions or would like additional training, please call Lori Hodek at (231) 995-1143 or contact your Academic Chair or Office Manager.
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
Please take a few minutes to show appreciation and to honor an NMC employee who has gone above and beyond this semester.
Nominate your colleague for Employee of the Semester-Spring Semester by Monday, May 7, through this Google Doc Nomination Form ~ Thanks!
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom, Student News
Student Health Services closes Friday, May 5 for the summer, and reopens Monday, August 14.
If you need refills or an appointment, please call 995-1255 as soon as possible to schedule.
Apr 28, 2017 | Intercom
The 62nd annual NMC Barbecue will be upon us soon! This year’s BBQ will be held Sunday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the NMC Barbecue board invites you to take part in putting on our annual community picnic. Here’s how to sign up in four easy steps:
- Go to this link to go to our invitation page at signup.com/go/5hvVg1
- Review the activities listed and choose the one(s) you like.
- Sign up! It’s easy — you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
- Be sure to click the green SAVE button after selecting your shift(s). This can be found at either the top or the bottom of the list of activities on the sign up page.
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