Mar 7, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Bill Donberg
(download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, the NMC Fellow award, has been bestowed for 2024 on Bill Donberg, Timothy Nelson and Nancy Johnson, and Jack Segal and Karen Puschel Segal.
Donberg served as an aviation instructor for more than 23 years. Nelson served as NMC’s longest-serving president while his wife, Johnson, served as a tireless college advocate in her own right. Segal and Puschel Segal were co-chairs of the International Affairs Forum for seven years.
Donberg, of Elk Rapids, spent more than 23 years in NMC’s Aviation Division, including serving as lead flight instructor. In that capacity he taught hundreds of new instructors who would go on to serve as the foundation of the NMC flight program. He also served as the program’s interim director and as a founding member of the Aviation Advisory committee. A board member of the NMC Foundation since 2015, Donberg and his wife Phyllis also have supported aviation, the Commitment Scholarship, the Big Little Hero Race, and made a planned gift to the college. Donberg has founded multiple manned and unmanned aviation-related startups.
Timothy Nelson and Nancy Johnson
(download high-resolution photo)Nelson, of Traverse City, retired as president in 2019 after nearly 20 years of leading the college. During his tenure, NMC evolved and established many statewide, national and international competencies and accomplishments. Among the most notable were the community college baccalaureate in Michigan, service to student veterans, and new degree pathways in remotely-operated underwater and aerial vehicles. He chaired the Michigan Community College Association board and fulfilled four gubernatorial appointments by two former governors. In his retirement Nelson continues to serve the region as a board officer forMunson Healthcare, the largest healthcare organization in northern Michigan.
Johnson, a counselor by profession, took an active role in both NMC and the Grand Traverse region during Nelson’s presidential years. In 2019 the NMC Board of Trustees awarded her a Resolution of Appreciation for her advocacy and dedication to the college. At the state level, she provided leadership in the Michigan Community College Association Spouse and Significant Other Network. Her community commitments include the Zonta Club of Traverse City.
Together the couple have supported the college financially in multiple ways, including a planned gift. To mark Nelson’s 10-year anniversary as president, in 2011 they established the Global Opportunities Fund, which has made study abroad possible for hundreds of students.
Jack Segal and Karen Puschel Segal
(download high-resolution photo)Jack Segal and Karen Puschel Segal are both retired diplomats in the U.S. Department of State now living in Traverse City. Under their energetic leadership in the 2010s, the International Affairs Forum (IAF) expanded its programming significantly, growing into a major educational asset for northern Michigan and boosting the reputation and stature of NMC. They have been donors to the NMC Foundation for more than 15 years, supporting IAF, the Dennos Museum and other programs. Segal is also a popular instructor in NMC’s Extended Educational Services, offering multiple classes on world affairs. Puschel Segal is a tireless advocate for the immigrant community in the Grand Traverse area and serves as coordinator for the Afghan Migrant Ministry Project.
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded annually since 1964. Fellows may be nominated because they have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College, have demonstrated a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the College continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors. Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. See a list of past recipients.
Release date: MARCH 11, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
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
Mar 7, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
The Northwest Food Coalition of local food pantries, including NMC’s Food Pantry will hold its annual “Empty Bowls” fundraising event from 1–3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at the Howe Arena in Traverse City.
Proceeds from the event will support the Farm 2 Neighbor Program which provides fresh produce and proteins to NFC member pantries such as our own NMC pantry. This program allows us to stock fresh items like greens, root crops, eggs, and chicken from local farms.
The theme of this year’s event is Artful Hearts: Brushing Away Hunger, and it’s a great chance to turn out to support both regional food access efforts and local agricultural producers in a collaboration that makes a positive impact on the daily lives of many NMC students. Visit the Northwest Food Coalition’s website to purchase tickets, or to learn about volunteer opportunities related to this event.
Mar 5, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Reveal your inner hero at the Big Little Hero Race on April 20
TRAVERSE CITY — Throw on your capes and lace up your running shoes for the ninth annual Big Little Hero Race. This family-friendly event supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan and Northwestern Michigan College’s (NMC) College for Kids Program, and is scheduled for Saturday, April 20. Proceeds from the race will go towards scholarships for children to attend NMC’s College for Kids summer programming.
The Big Little Hero Race will start and end at NMC’s Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center and will have three race options — a one-mile fun run/walk with free entry and a free cape for all children, a 5K run/walk, and a 10K run/walk. All are welcome and encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes.
Hosted by NMC’s Professional Communication students, the Big Little Hero Race is an experiential learning project that allows students to practice real-world business skills by communicating with community members while promoting the importance of mentorship. Each year, the class recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the importance of mentorship in our community. The 2024 Big Hero Award will honor 95 local high school students who have donated their time as “Bigs” and mentored “Littles” across Northern Michigan.
The festivities start at 9:30 a.m. with a one-mile fun run, followed by the officially timed 5K and 10K races, beginning at 10 a.m. The race route travels through NMC’s main campus and continues onto the scenic Old Mission Peninsula. After the race, medals will be awarded for the top three times in each age category in the 5K and 10K races. Prizes will be given for top overall male and female finishers for both the 5K and 10K races. Awards will be presented for the best adult, child, and dog costumes.
Important Dates:
- Register by March 20 to receive the early bird discounted rate ($5 off registration)
- Register by March 31 to secure a race shirt
- Packet pickup and in-person registration at NMC’s Front Street campus, in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, on Friday, April 19, from 5–8 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 (race day) from 8–9:30 a.m.
For more information or to register for the race, visit biglittleherorace.com.
Release date: MARCH 5, 2024
For more information:
- Adam Lampela
NMC Aviation Student
Social Media Coordinator
(248) 978-8918
lampela@mail.nmc.edu
- Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 995-1059
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Mar 4, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Jazz Bands, led by trumpeter and educator Joshua Wagner, will join the Jeff Haas Trio for two upcoming shows at The Alluvion this month as part of the “Jazz For All” series.
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- March 7: NMC Jazz Lab Band
- March 14: Jazz Big Band
These groups contain NMC students, community members, and area professionals with a mission of promoting the American art form of Jazz! Audience members will be treated to a variety of styles including blues, latin, swing, fusion, and contemporary.
The Alluvion is located on the 2nd floor of the Commongrounds Cooperative at 414 East 8th St. $1-20 honor cover at the door (no presale). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The shows run from 6–8 p.m. both nights.
Mar 4, 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. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Want to view upcoming classes at a glance? View the NEW Calendar of Classes.
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Date Night: Crepes
Tuesday, March 12; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $59 per couple (Public price $179)
Enjoy a night out while learning and then enjoying perfectly airy, paper-thin crêpes, paired with both sweet and savory fillings. Vanessa Grasset, owner of Crêpes and Co., will share the secret to mixing and making crepes that elevate everything they enfold.
Register here
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Date Night: Food & Wine Pairing
Wednesday, March 13; 6–7:30 p.m.
Employee price: $84 per couple (Public price $199)
Whether words like acid, fat, tannins, heat and sweet are familiar or foreign to you, when skillfully combined in food and wine, they can orchestrate a symphony of flavors that delights the senses. Join wine expert Brian Lillie to unravel the fundamentals of this exquisite art.
Register here
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Baking Masterclass: Pizza & Focaccia
Saturday, April 13; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Employee price: $43 (Public price $199)
Want to level up your pizza making game? With the help of Chef Eckert, discover the secrets of making artisan pizza and focaccia at home. Learn to make and stretch your own perfect dough from scratch. Create the ultimate sauce and learn how different toppings complement each other. Plus, focaccia!
Register here
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Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Mar 4, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office awarded, two instructors and five alumni from NMC’s Police Academy at their annual award ceremony last week. Congratulations to all the winners, including:
NMC instructors:
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Nathan Ritter: Law Enforcement Employee of the Year for his work over the course of his career, which started in 1999. He is currently a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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Detective Sarah Metdepenningen: Award of merit.
NMC alumni:
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Deputies Mariah Eberhardt and John Leach: Lifesaving awards for saving a Kingsley man from suicide.
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Deputies Mitchell Hoffman and Hayden Talbot: Mothers Against Drunk Driving awards, with 29 and 30 OWI arrests, respectively.
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Deputy Jonathan King: Top shot award.
Thank you for your service to our community!
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 4, 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.
Adapted in TC: Use the power in the room
Record-Eagle, March 3
(more…)
Mar 4, 2024 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, March 4
Entrée: Rigatoni pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and sausage or broccolini
Sides: Broccoli and garlic crostini
Tuesday, March 5
Entrée: Tacos (pulled pork asada or tofu) with cheese, lettuce, sour cream and salsa
Sides: Mexican street corn and rice
Wednesday, March 6
Entrée: Potato gnocchi with Alfredo sauce and Italian sausage or roasted vegetables
Sides: Garlic bread and green beans
Thursday, March 7
Breakfast for lunch (or dinner!)
Biscuits with sausage gravy or crumbled black bean burger and mushroom gravy, scrambled eggs & fresh fruit
Friday, March 8
Entrée: Beer-battered cod sandwich with tartar sauce
Sides: Coleslaw with french fries
Mar 1, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC Campus Life is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the campus map). This tournament is open to all NMC students and employees.
If you have any questions please reach out to CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Mar 1, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC will host their annual Holi celebration on Tuesday, March 19. Holi is a Hindu festival that originated in India but is now celebrated in different communities all over the world. Holi is a time for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the new changes that spring brings!
The celebration begins with a Lunch & Learn session at 12:45 p.m. in room 106/107 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. NMC Religions professor Sarah Montgomery-Richards will give a presentation about tradition of Holi celebrations. Jim Bensley from International Services will discuss the NMC Global Endorsement and study abroad opportunities and Alex Walsh, of NMC’s Multicultural Student Club, will talk about the Persian festival of Nowruz.
Lunch will be provided compliments of the Hawk Owl Café, who will be serving Indian cuisine. Attendees should stop by room 106/107 during 12:15–12:40 p.m. to get their meal ticket before picking up their lunch.
Color-throwing will follow the Lunch & Learn at 1:30 p.m. in the Cherry lot.
This event is open to the community and all ages are welcome.
Questions? Email smontgomery@nmc.edu
Thanks to Student Life, Marcus Bennett and DEIB, and International Services and Service Learning for making this annual event possible.
Mar 1, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum continues its 30th season on Tuesday, March 19 in the Dennos Museum Center. Join IAF for AI & Global Cooperation: What’s Happening & What’s Next featuring Joshua Meltzer, Senior Fellow in the Global Economy and Development Program at the Brookings Institution. Meltzer will discuss why generative AI matters, how government policy can address new risks that AI exposes, as well as economic potential for scientific discovery, and potential competition with China.
Meltzer’s research focuses on international economic relations and the intersection of technology and trade policy. Along with Cameron Kerry, he co-leads the Forum on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (FCAI)—a multi-stakeholder dialogue with government officials from the U.S., EU, Canada, the U.K., Singapore, Japan, and Australia, as well as AI experts from industry and academia. He also leads the USMCA initiative, which focuses on how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can strengthen international cooperation in North America.
The March 19 in-person event at the Dennos Museum Center is open to the public and available to livestream online. Admission is $15 per person. Admission is free for all students and educators. The reception begins at 6 p.m. with the program following at 7 p.m.
For in-person tickets, online tickets, and all event details, visit TCIAF.com.
Feb 27, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for College Edge, a new, free program NMC is hosting this summer to help any new college student prepare for their fall semester.
College Edge is a five-week program to help prepare students in the core subjects of math and English before they start college at any school this fall. They’ll also learn tips and tools like time management and studying smarter that will help right away. For completing the program, students will earn a $1,000 scholarship toward NMC’s fall semester tuition.
Students can register at nmc.edu/edge for one of two sessions: June 5–July 7 or July 10–Aug. 11. Held on NMC’s main campus, each session runs Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.–noon. Breakfast, a laptop and gas cards are all available as well.
College Edge hosted by NMC is just the latest investment the state is making in its student-age population. State scholarships available now include Michigan Achievement for the high school class of 2023, and Michigan Reconnect for adults over 25 who don’t already have a degree. Achievement offers $2,750, or half the cost of NMC’s full-time, in-district tuition, while Reconnect makes tuition free to in-district students (Grand Traverse County residents).
Release date: April 4, 2023
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
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
Feb 26, 2024 | Intercom, Student Events
Versiti Blood is bringing the big pink bus to NMC’S Campus again in hopes of changing lives one donation at a time!
They are hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Cedar lot. Those who donate will receive a $10 e-gift card.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
If you want to sign up please click on the link below or call 1(866) Mi-Blood.
For questions, contact Kristi Hallett at khallet@nmc.edu or Susan Street, Senior Representative of Versiti, at sstreet@versiti.org.
Feb 26, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to the Advising department for organizing the annual Career Fair on March 7 as well as a number of events to help students prepare. More than 70 employers will be at the fair looking to fill positions. Community members are welcome. Find out more at nmc.edu/career-fair.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Feb 26, 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.
Beyond Books
Northern Express, Feb. 24
(more…)
Feb 26, 2024 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
Did you know that your 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. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
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Learn & Play Dungeons & Dragons
3 classes; Wednesdays, Feb. 28–March 13; 6–8 p.m.
Employee price: $33 (public price: $99) Want to take this class with a friend? Share code FOODFUN20 with them to save 20%
Have you wanted to learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons? Now is your chance. Don your adventuring gear and polish up your Great Axe! Instructor Nick Roster will lead this introduction to the popular role-playing game and prepare you with a lifetime of fun, no matter the weather.
Register here
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 Intro to Zoroastrianism
Wednesday, March 6; 6–8:30 p.m.
Employee Price: $22 (public price: $49)
Join Dr. Sarah Montgomery-Richards to explore the basics of Zoroastrianism. Heighten your interest in world religions and gain a general knowledge of history, beliefs, and practices within Zoroastrianism. Learn to think critically, and apply tools and techniques to understand this rich religion, while recognizing the importance of studying comparative religion.
Register here
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Date Night: Crepes
Tuesday, March 12; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $59 per couple (Public Price $179)
Enjoy a night out while learning and then enjoying perfectly airy, paper-thin crêpes, paired with both sweet and savory fillings. Vanessa Grasset, owner of Crêpes and Co., will share the secret to mixing and making crepes that elevate everything they enfold.
Register here
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Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
Feb 23, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
Stop by the NMC Bookstore on Leap Day (Thursday, February 29) and receive 29% off all regularly priced apparel and hats! One day only!
Feb 23, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Lindsey Dickinson. Lindsey continues to lead her department and building with energy and enthusiasm! She is always looking for ways to get people involved, and keeps the staff and students in mind with every decision. She is a great leader!
Kudos to Chris Little and Dan Wasson. A Marine Technology EMC student at Greenspire High School did not have access to the NMC main campus library and was unable to utilize the DD170 course software. He would have to drop the course if he had not gained access to the required software via an NMC computer at the University Center. Within 24 hours, Chris Little and Dan Wasson formulated a plan and had the necessary software installed at the UC to support this student.
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!
