Jun 19, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Students’ bathymetric research published, Aquahacking challenge launching
TRAVERSE CITY — As northern Michigan works to become the hub of the blue economy, Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute has earned two national firsts in water research and water entrepreneurism.
NMC’s two firsts contribute to the body of knowledge about freshwater in general and the Great Lakes specifically, which is the foundation of the blue economy. As a blue economy hub, Traverse City would become like a Silicon Valley for freshwater knowledge. That knowledge will lead to innovation, jobs and solutions for water challenges from contamination to climate change.
- Last week, a team of six NMC Marine Technology students became the first undergraduates to publish underwater, or bathymetric, survey data to an online database run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The data was collected from around the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula the week of May 15 as part of the students’ capstone course, taught by John Lutchko. Water depths, hazard locations and seafloor contours and elevations were among the data collected. Currently, only 15 percent of the Great Lakes have been mapped with high resolution technology. Only half of that amount is on the U.S. side of the lakes.
“The fact we know so little about it is a problem,” said Ed Bailey, director of NMC’s Marine Center and Project Management course instructor. “You cannot solve a lot of other problems around habitat, invasive species, and resilient communities without bathymetry. It’s all connected.”
“Huge congratulations on being the first multibeam dataset in the Great Lakes!”Jessica Nation, bathymetry data manager for NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information told the students via email.
- In September, NMC will be the first binational partner for an Aquahacking challenge. Created in 2015 by AquaAction, a Canadian nonprofit, Aquahacking is a tech innovation program focused on developing solutions to pressing freshwater issues, including growing demand, life-threatening contaminants and climate change. AquaAction’s programs have spawned 50 start-ups across Canada since it was founded in 2015, creating 100 water jobs.
Participants in the nine-month Great Lakes challenge must be 18-35. The top three solutions will receive prizes of at least $35,000, $15,000 and $10,000. The challenge’s semifinal, where Aquahacking competitors pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, will be held in Traverse City in March 2024.
“By hosting this challenge here and the innovation that goes along with it, the hope is they’ll want to stay and spin those businesses up in Traverse City,” Bailey said. “This becomes the pipeline for the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center. It’s bringing blue tech, high tech jobs to Traverse City.”
Evidence of the demand for the knowledge lies in the fact that all four graduating Marine Technology students on the team working with NOAA had multiple job offers before they graduated, Bailey said.
NMC offers the only bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology in the United States. In addition, NMC will begin offering a Water Quality & Environmental Technology (WET Tech) associate degree this fall. The first in the state, the WET Tech program will train the skilled workforce needed to respond to this growing demand for monitoring and cleanup of waters within the Great Lakes watershed. NMC also offers three other water-related programs:
- An associate degree in Freshwater Studies, the first in the nation when it was created in 2009.
- The Marine Center — professional development and training in marine systems, geospatial technologies and land surveying.
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy — Trains deck and engineering officers for the commercial shipping industry. Bachelor’s degree first granted in 2014; program founded in 1969.
Release date: June 19, 2023
For more information:
Hans Van Sumeren
Director, NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute
hvansumeren@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1793
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
Jun 19, 2023 | 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.
Pride on campus
Northern Express, June 17 (more…)
Jun 19, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Bookstore will be closed June 28-30 for annual inventory and will reopen on Monday, July 3. All web orders placed between June 28-30 will be processed on Monday, July 3.
Jun 12, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the 2023 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni award.
Jerry Dobek (Mathematics & General Arts & Sciences 1998, faculty/staff 1989-present): As a student and as a faculty member, Dobek has played a pivotal role in the operations of NMC’s Rogers Observatory and his teaching at NMC extends into numerous school-based, community and national programs.
High-resolution image of
Jerry Dobek
He has written over 50 dark sky ordinances for Michigan cities, is a founding member of the International Dark Sky Association and regularly consults on exterior lighting projects. He’s been recognized with a distinguished service award from NASA for their Ambassadors program, and has received NMC’s Imogene Wise Faculty award both as an adjunct and full-time faculty member. As one nominator wrote, “Dr. Jerry Dobek’s exemplary leadership…aligns with NMC’s values, at the core of his volunteering and public outreach is to bring the community together. Jerry Dobek put ‘community’ into community college. His life’s work revolves around student success. His heart for teaching extends into his life where everyday has become a classroom for learning opportunities.”
High-resolution image of
Tiffany McQueer
Tiffany Smith McQueer (General Studies 2012, Practical Nursing 2013): McQueer and her husband Jason McQueer have owned J&S Hamburg South in Traverse City since 2014. With the onset of COVID-19, Tiffany McQueer saw a need to support families beyond the pick-up meals provided to students through schools during the week.
What began as one cooler outside their restaurant stocked with a handful of meals has turned into a full-fledged nonprofit organization, with three locations providing food, as well as drives for holiday gifts, winter wear, and back-to-school support. Project Feed the Kids has distributed over 225,000 meals over the past three years.
One nominator explained, “Tiffany is the best example of a local person who saw an urgent need…she mobilized her family, using her own time and business as a base of operation to Feed the Kids and provide many with a normal Christmas and other celebrations. Why? Because she’s been hungry before–and her empathy for others in need is a perfect reason for nominating her as an NMC Outstanding Alumni.”
Since 1988, Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award has recognized graduates and past students for professional achievement and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Nominees for this award should have demonstrated accomplishments that also reflect the NMC values of dedication to life-long learning, innovation and integrity, and respect for and collaboration with others. Recognition is not solely contingent on having received a degree or certificate from NMC, but 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.
Release date: JUNE 13, 2023
For more information:
Carly McCall
Director of Alumni Engagement
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1834
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
Jun 12, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Saturday’s pow wow will be held south of the Osterlin
Building, where the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Day
was held. Download high-resolution image here. TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Native American Student Organization will hold its 2023 pow wow honoring Native American graduates from 1–5 p.m. Saturday, June 17 on main campus. Grand Entry is at 2:30 p.m.
The pow wow will be held under the pines south of the Osterlin Building on main campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. Admission and parking are free. The event will include food and other vendors in addition to traditional dancing. All tribal vendors from any tribe are welcome. Honorariums are available to the first 50 dancers.
Release date: June 12, 2023
For more information:
Sally Smarsty
Student Success Coordinator
ssmarsty@nmc.edu
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-3021
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
Jun 12, 2023 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Café Lobdell’s, which functions as the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year baking certificate program, will reopen tomorrow for dine-in and carryout service.
Stop by the cafe to enjoy handcrafted drinks, and baked goods while witnessing experiential learning in action, all thanks to our talented students and dedicated colleagues at GLCI.
The cafe is open from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through July 20.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 12, 2023 | 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.
The evolution of Pride in Michigan
Lansing Pulse, June 8
(more…)
Jun 12, 2023 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a study session at 9 a.m. in Room 106/107 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s main campus. The Board Building & Site committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the President’s Office conference room. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Jun 8, 2023 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Thank you for joining us for the June 7 Budget Town Hall meetings to discuss NMC’s FY 24 budget with President Nick Nissley and Vice President of Finance & Administration Troy Kierczynski. Watch a video of the morning session here and view the presentation slideshow here.
Jun 8, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at the annual Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus.
Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 750 rainbow trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear. Experienced volunteers will help with baiting hooks and fishing instruction, and clean the fish.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flyover, contingent on availability. Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31.
Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC, Friends of the Boardman, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
Release date: June 8, 2023
For more information:
Chris DeGood (Rotary)
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601 (mobile)
(231) 933-8400 (office)
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
Jun 5, 2023 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to all who volunteered for the Pride carnival, the Cirque de TC Bays, and Rainbow Story Time that NMC hosted Saturday, June 3 as part of Up North Pride’s Pride Month events. In addition, free admission to the Dennos Museum Center was offered all day.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 5, 2023 | 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.
Northern Living in brief: IAF
Record-Eagle, June 4
(more…)
Jun 3, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC’s Juneteenth celebration will be held on Monday, June 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the courtyard area between the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center and East Hall, located on NMC’s main campus. Vendors, activities, and live music will be available. All are welcome.
The celebration concludes a series of events commemorating the day. Other activities include:
Northern Michigan E3 walk/run/roll on the Boardman Trail
Right Brain Brewery
Saturday, June 17
2-5 p.m.
“All together now” celebration
Traverse City District Library
Monday, June 19
10 a.m to 1 p.m
Screening of “Picturing the Obamas”
The Dennos Museum
Monday, June 19
1 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy free admission to the Dennos Museum from 11 am to 4 p.m.
Contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu for further information.
Jun 2, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events, Tech Tips
Extended Educational Services is hosting a free class on fraud awareness at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 19 in room 106/107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Deputy Preston from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office will discuss how scammers think so you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
Advance registration is required.
Jun 2, 2023 | Intercom, Student Events
Students, faculty and staff are invited to a root beer float social on Thursday, June 8 from 3–5 p.m in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center near the welcome desk. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
For questions, please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Jun 2, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
Café Lobdell’s will reopen this summer from on June 13 for dine-in and carryout service. Enjoy handcrafted coffee and tea drinks, sweet and savory baked goods, and cafe-style to-go lunch items. Café Lobdell’s, which functions as the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year baking certificate program, is open from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through July 20.
Dine in and enjoy the West Bay view from the second level of NMC’s Great Lakes campus or carryout.
No reservations necessary. Closed July 4
Jun 2, 2023 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
(more…)
May 30, 2023 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8 in the President’s Office conference room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s main campus. (The meeting was rescheduled from June 1.) More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
