May 25, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
May 25, 2022
After three straight years of a 100-percent state exam pass rate and employment rate, NMC’s Police Academy program is planning big changes that will allow it to double enrollment and help fill a shortage of police and law enforcement officers statewide.
A new structure for the Police Academy slated to start in the fall of 2023 means that instead of turning out one graduating class per academic year, NMC will have one in the fall and one in the spring. Students will receive the same training by attending full time for 16 weeks, instead of part-time as they do now for the nine-month academic year.
Both students and police agencies favor the switch, Police Academy Director Gail Kurowski said. The 11 members of the Police Academy class of 2022 have all been hired (graduate Matt Morgan, above, is headed to the Michigan State Police), and police departments and sheriff’s offices around northern Michigan are eager for more graduates.
“They are really excited to see us make this change,” Kurowski said. “They are desperately in need of law enforcement personnel.”
Of the 20 police academies in Michigan overseen by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, NMC is among only a handful that still operate on academic year calendars, Kurowski said. She’s currently recruiting for the 2022–23 year, and has had to turn away almost as many students as she’s enrolled because they preferred the consolidated, shorter program. Increasing the number of credentials earned faster is also an objective within the Future-Focused Education area in NMC Next, the college’s strategic plan.
“It doesn’t work any more,” Kurowski said of the two-semester schedule. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to increase enrollment.”
Police Academy students will be learning on significantly upgraded equipment, too. Earlier this month, the Grand Traverse County Commission approved donating two used sheriff’s department patrol vehicles to the NMC program. Kurowski said she has a verbal commitment for a used Traverse City Police Department vehicle, too.
The vehicles will be outfitted with equipment donated by the Michigan State Police, including mounted display consoles for computers inside. The current 2005 vehicles NMC now uses lack any kind of police equipment.
“Our students have never gotten to turn on a siren or a light bar,” Kurowski said. “That’s going to be a huge improvement.” She expects the vehicles to be available for the 2022–23 school year.
NMC’s Aviation program and Marine Technology bachelor’s degree program also boast 100 percent employment among their graduates. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy expects all 2022 graduates to be employed within six months of graduation.
May 23, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
As of May 23, 2022, NMC’s COVID-19 response team has decided to pause updates to the cases on campus dashboard for the summer semester, when the on-campus population ebbs significantly.
The spread of COVID-19 on campus has slowed greatly since the winter months. Cases rose 63 percent in January-February (102 to 167), but only 6 percent in March-April (167-178). Over the same time, the prevalence of at-home testing increased significantly. Positive results may not be reported to campus or any health authorities, meaning the dashboard no longer offers an accurate picture of the virus on campus.
As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to monitor the state of the virus and adjust procedures as necessary to protect the health and safety of our campus community while minimizing the disruption to learning. We will reassess the value of the dashboard prior to the fall semester.
May 23, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Northwestern Michigan College has recognized the following employees for excellence in the 2021-22 academic year:
Betsy Boris, Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award: Chosen by a student selection committee, award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Comments about Boris, a nursing instructor, included: “Betsy goes above and beyond just teaching. She cares about each student and understands the anxiety we all face.” “She does an amazing job explaining concepts and providing examples of real-world practical application.” “She is very responsive to inquiries and invests time in helping students identify solutions to issues.” Initiated by a contribution from longtime NMC benefactors Harold and Imogene Wise in 1970, the award was first made to a full-time faculty member in 1971.
Lindsey Dickinson, Staff Excellence Award: Nominated by her peers, Dickinson is director of Academic and Career Advising. Several nominators mentioned it’s hard to focus on her work only this year, since Dickinson has such a long and impressive track record, including graduating from NMC. She was described as “one of those key people who is somehow a part of everything important going on at the college,” “one of the strongest advocates for NMC that I’ve witnessed,” and “engaged at every level. She is constantly transforming lives and enriching our community.”
Cary Godwin, Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award: Chosen by a student selection committee, award criteria includes teaching excellence, rapport with students, innovation in the classroom and a sense of dedication. Comments about Godwin, an adjunct instructor for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, included: “Commander Godwin’s teaching methods are an excellent example of his dedication to student learning. The school is very lucky to have him.” “He builds a trust with his students that allows us to learn by trying, failing, and trying again because we know Commander Godwin has our back.” The award was created in 1999 as a companion to the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award.
T/S State of Michigan/GLMA team, Team Excellence Award: Nominated by peers, the team was commended for its student-centered response to a mechanical failure on the training ship in May 2021. The State of Michigan had to be towed from the Detroit River to a Toledo shipyard and spent 8 weeks awaiting repairs. It could have delayed graduation, and the careers, of 50 Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets. Instead, the team of John Biolchini, Martin Hughes, Scott Powell, Karl Schroeder, Steph Sedlacek, Chuck Miller, Sue Lieblein, Ben Minor, Sue Denoyer, Judy Druskovich, Karen Ford and Tim Dayton snapped into action, shifting all cadets to commercial ships or other maritime academy ships so they could earn their required sea time and graduate on time. The team also insured that all $1.5 million in costs, from cadet travel to State of Michigan repairs, were covered by the federal government’s Maritime Administration.
May 23, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
The following employees showed the NMC values of collaboration and excellence by simply seeing a need and stopping on Tuesday to help arrange the tent for the 2022 You Made It Possible event:
- Marcus Bennett
- Emily Crull
- Justin Guillard
- Kyle Morrison
- Todd Neibauer
- Chad Schenkelberger
- Phil Trowbridge
- Dan Wasson
Each jumped in to help when they saw a need — moving the stage, attaching sides to the tent, arranging tables and chairs. Their collaboration contributed to the success of the event and is a reminder of why NMC is such a great place to work. We appreciate you all and your commitment to excellence!
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 20, 2022 | Intercom
The registration deadline for the GRASP summer math and reading program has been extended to Tuesday, May 24. To register a student for GRASP, please visit nmc.edu/grasp or call Extended Education at (231) 995-1700.
GRASP is a screen-free at-home learning program to help students maintain and build their essential math and reading skills over the summer break. The program is facilitated by local teachers, who will grade the weekly lessons and provide feedback to the children. Lessons are screen-free and portable, so they can be completed from wherever summer travel may take you. Over 4,000 local students have benefitted from this proven program.
Full-time NMC employees can apply the tuition waiver. Registration for a dependent for the 9-week program is just $40 per subject, or $70 for both.
May 20, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY – As career opportunities boom for carpenters and other skilled trades workers, NMC will sign an articulation agreement with the Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwright Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund on Wednesday, May 25 at the Aero Park Labs building, 2525 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City.
The signing is concurrent with the Michigan Educators Apprenticeship Training Association conference held May 24-26 in Traverse City. Conference attendees will visit the Aero Park Labs building, home to NMC’s construction technology, welding technology, HVAC-R technology and renewable energy technology programs.
The signing will occur at 3 p.m. May 25. It intended to showcase how industry and education are collaborating to encourage people to enter skilled trades, as well as to offer advanced learning opportunities so journeyman skilled trades workers can advance into leadership positions.
Release Date: May 20, 2022
For more information:
Dan Goodchild
(231) 995-2777
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 20, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY – As career opportunities boom for carpenters and other skilled trades workers, NMC will sign an articulation agreement with the Michigan Statewide Carpenters and Millwright Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund on Wednesday, May 25 at the Aero Park Labs building, 2525 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City.
The signing is concurrent with the Michigan Educators Apprenticeship Training Association conference held May 24-26 in Traverse City. Conference attendees will visit the Aero Park Labs building, home to NMC’s construction technology, welding technology, HVAC-R technology and renewable energy technology programs.
The signing will occur at 3 p.m. May 25. It intended to showcase how industry and education are collaborating to encourage people to enter skilled trades, as well as to offer advanced learning opportunities so journeyman skilled trades workers can advance into leadership positions.
Release Date: May 20, 2022
For more information:
Dan Goodchild
(231) 995-2777
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 19, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to the Technical Division: MiCareer Quest 2022 a huge success! Thank you to the following Tech Division instructors and support personnel:
- Welding — Rick Mathis, Ryan Deering, Matt Pickler, Brenna Glinski, Kaylei Johnson
- Automotive — Wayne Moody and the Bill Marsh Auto group
- Construction — Phil McCuien
- Surveying — Jeff Fouch (new instructor for fall)
- Bio-med — Joe Deeter
- Cyber Security — special guest Scott Goethals
There was lots of NMC representation from other areas as well and there was a great turn out of around 2,000 9th graders!
Kudos to Alex Bloye/Aviation staff and Diana Fairbanks/PRMC staff for utilizing their training to meet a challenging emergency situation with a safe outcome. Kudos also to Alex Bloye and Diana Fairbanks for handling the communication surrounding the incident. Well done!
Kudos to Cindy Deemer, the Commencement team and all participants and speakers: The new format seemed to be well received and it was wonderful to see a full Milliken Auditorium. Well done!
Kudos to Kari Kahler: Kari has gone above and beyond through this past academic year in establishing a NMC mentorship program with 5th graders at Blair Elementary. Over 30 NMC students have been mentoring a 5th grader and she recently coordinated with Blair to bring the 5th graders to tour NMC for the day and envision themselves as a Hawk Owl someday. The profound impact this program has had on not only the 5th graders, but the mentors as well, will continue to be seen for over their lifetime. This partnership and project would not have been possible without Kari. Thank you, Kari, for being a champion and advocate for NMC and lifelong learning in this community.
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!
May 19, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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May 19, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
AJ Mackie & Justin Casey were recently promoted to Lead Flight Instructors. Congratulations!
May 19, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Ulliance, NMC’s employee assistance program provider, has some helpful resources to check out:
May 18, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Forty-two cadets from Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy plus a chef intern from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute will depart aboard the T/S State of Michigan on the first of three training phases this Saturday, May 21.
The training ship will be at sea for five months, through Oct. 28, providing an opportunity for about 160 cadets to earn required sea time. Each phase will also include a culinary intern.
“The use of the training ship for an extended period of time, coupled with cadet berths on commercial vessels provided by our industry partners, will allow us to meet our goal of ensuring all cadets will have the ability to graduate as per their model schedules, regardless of the challenges caused by COVID,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program. GLMA and GLCI have also collaborated for several years to offer internships to NMC culinary students during the sailing season. Cooks are in high demand by the shipping industry. A maritime culinary certificate that will expand opportunities for students in this niche area is expected to be offered in Fall 2023.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release date: May 18, 2022
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@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 18, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Forty-two cadets from Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy plus a chef intern from the Great Lakes Culinary Institute will depart aboard the T/S State of Michigan on the first of three training phases this Saturday, May 21.
The training ship will be at sea for five months, through Oct. 28, providing an opportunity for about 160 cadets to earn required sea time. Each phase will also include a culinary intern.
“The use of the training ship for an extended period of time, coupled with cadet berths on commercial vessels provided by our industry partners, will allow us to meet our goal of ensuring all cadets will have the ability to graduate as per their model schedules, regardless of the challenges caused by COVID,” said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach.
Cadets must earn 360 days of required sea time during their four-year program. GLMA and GLCI have also collaborated for several years to offer internships to NMC culinary students during the sailing season. Cooks are in high demand by the shipping industry. A maritime culinary certificate that will expand opportunities for students in this niche area is expected to be offered in Fall 2023.
As the state maritime academy of Michigan, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College educates and trains deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree, and an unlimited tonnage/horsepower merchant marine license. Read more about the Academy and see the cruise itinerary and map at nmc.edu/maritime.
Release date: May 18, 2022
For more information:
RADM Jerry Achenbach
Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent
(231) 995-1203
gachenbach@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 16, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom, Student News
This week’s Hawk Owl Helpers and Heros shout-out goes to Cathy Warner and her English 112 class, which took on improving campus outdoor spaces and seating as an experiential learning project during the spring semester. They successfully wrote for grant funds and received $500 to purchase Adirondack chairs and hammocks for main campus. The Adirondack chairs and hammocks can be found outside of the Innovation Center. Additional hammocks can be checked out from the security desk inside the Innovation Center.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
May 13, 2022 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage month and the Traverse Area District Library is inviting our community to help recognize the contributions, achievements, and identities of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) that have helped shape America’s development into a richly multicultural society.
Each event will have light refreshments featuring local AAPI food vendors, along with an engaging conversation on identity, culture, and experiences in Traverse City.
Monday, May 16, 2022: Vincent Who? (5:30—8:00pm) Register here
In 1982, at the height of anti-Japanese sentiments arising from massive layoffs in the auto industry, a Chinese-American named Vincent Chin was murdered in Detroit by two white autoworkers. Chin’s killers, however, got off with a $3,000 fine and 3 years probation, but no jail time. Outraged by this injustice, Asian Americans around the country united for the first time across ethnic and socioeconomic lines to form a pan-Asian identity and civil rights movement. Ultimately, Vincent Who? asks how far Asian Americans have come since the case and how far they have yet to go. For in spite of Vincent Chin’s monumental significance in both the Asian American experience and the civil rights history of America, the vast majority of people today (including most Asian Americans) have little or no knowledge of him.
Monday, May 23, 2022: Community Discussion Panel (5:30—8:00pm) Register here
Community Panel Discussion with:
- Sakura Takano, Rotary Charities of Traverse City
- Amy Yee, Amy Yee Bodyworks
- Craig Hadley, Dennos Museum at NMC
- Tony Vu, The Good Bowl
- Denny Nguyen, NMC
along with moderators Judy Chu, NMC and Holly T. Bird, Northern Michigan E3 & Title Track
Please fill out this DEI Intercom Post Feedback Form to be part of our conversation and offer feedback or suggestions on what is being shared.
May 13, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Dennis Schultz: I came to Dennis at the end of the semester, a busy time for all, and asked him to help me make a video for the NMC Foundation. Dennis went above and beyond in getting me the finished video in a timely fashion, and a production of high quality. Thanks Dennis!
Kudos to Kristy McDonald: Kudos to Kristy McDonald and the BUS 231 Class for a successful Big Little Hero Race! The race was well organized and well attended with many kids (and adults) having a great time! Well done!
Kudos to Wayne Moody: Kudos to Wayne Moody and the Auto Tech program. Wayne invited businesses to attend the semester end Auto Tech BBQ this week. Several businesses attended and interviewed many of the Auto Tech students for jobs. What a great opportunity for both students and the businesses searching for trained staff. Well done!
Kudos to Tracy Welch, Kristy McDonald, Brandon Everest and Kari Kahler: Kudos to the organizers and presenters involved in the Experiential Learning Symposium last week. What a wonderful success. Special thanks to Tracy Welch, Kari Kahler, Brandon Everest and Kristy McDonald for the behind the scenes work. Bravo!
Kudos to Kyle Morrison: Thank you to Kyle Morrison for all the tech support and assistance with the First Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium. His “can do” attitude was amazing and helped make the event successful!
Kudos to Kari Kahler: Congratulations to Kari Kahler for putting on an amazing Student Leadership Luncheon during the ELI Learning Symposium. Her extra efforts to recognize student leaders on campus was heartwarming and inspiring!
Kudos to Jeremy Heinlein: Jeremy Heinlein assisted Kari Kahler in organizing and running the Student Leadership Luncheon during the NMC ELI Learning Symposium. Jeremy’s enthusiasm and communication skills made the event exciting and fun for everyone to celebrate the leaders on campus. Thank you and congratulations!
Kudos to Brandon Everest & Kristy McDonald: Thank you to Brandon Everest and Kristy McDonald (Co-Directors of the ELI) for their commitment to celebrating student learning and growth through the First Annual NMC ELI Learning Symposium. Their vision to create an event that embraces student learning and showcases the talent at NMC is invaluable!
Kudos to Cindy Deemer: Cindy gathered a team of volunteers, planned and put on a fantastic graduation event that spanned 6 hours between the 3 ceremonies. In between she found the time to feed the volunteers with salad and goodies she made herself and purchased pizzas for all as well.
The event location at the Dennos was perfect and Cindy’s organization made things run so smoothly. And of course she did it all with a smile. She coordinated an event that was special to students and their families.
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!
May 13, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Welcome to NMC!
- Latrisha Dickeson — Enrollment Services — Student Employee
- Laurie Johnson — Hagerty Event Center/Food Service — Supplemental Employee
May 13, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Esther Nance was recently promoted to Admissions Office Assistant from Facilities! Congratulations, Esther!
