Success Stories: Where are they now? Hawk Owl updates

February 21, 2018

Three years ago this month, the first issue of NMC Now debuted, sharing success stories of college students, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers and more. On this anniversary, we update you on the new heights some of the most popular subjects have reached in their respective fields.

Kathy Tahtinen

Kathy Tahtinen“Ten years ago I never would have thought that I would go to college, let alone my kids,” said Tahtinen, featured in scholarships show excellence runs wide and deep a few months before her 2015 NMC graduation. Not only has she gone to college, she’s now poised to earn her third degree: A master’s in public administration from Central Michigan University at NMC’s University Center. In 2016 she completed her bachelor’s in business administration from Ferris State University.

Tahtinen hopes to take her education into the nonprofit world. She especially enjoys volunteer work, including for the NMC Foundation.

“I want to make a difference, I want to give back. I didn’t come through the last 20 years alone,” she said.

Meanwhile her eldest son, who attended NMC with her, has transferred to a school in Ohio. Her youngest graduated from high school last spring and she hopes he’ll also attend NMC.

Study abroad

Study abroad studentsNMC still leads Michigan in short-term study abroad, a rank achieved in 2015. Last year it rose to number 12 in the nation among community colleges, and was also recognized as a Generation Study Abroad leader by the Institute of International Education for more than doubling student participation in study abroad experiences in three years. Studying abroad is a major way that NMC achieves its strategic direction of ensuring that learners are prepared for success in a global society and economy.

This year, more than 60 students will study in five countries: India, Italy, Ireland, Indonesia and Costa Rica. Between 2013 and this May, more than 330 NMC students and 30 faculty members will have participated in or led an academic study abroad experience to 17 different countries.

Leslie Farrer

Leslie FarrerBack in 2015, Leslie Farrer was a pastry sous chef at Trump Hotel in Chicago and had helped Sixteen, one of the hotel’s restaurants, earn a coveted Michelin star.

After two and a half years there Farrer called a career timeout coinciding with daughter Norah’s birth in July 2017. Now the 2008 Great Lakes Culinary Institute graduate has kicked off 2018 with a new venture: operations manager for Aya Pastry, a new wholesale, soon-to-be retail Chicago bakery led by Aya Fukai. She’s Farrer’s former Sixteen colleague and is considered among the nation’s best pastry chefs.

“It has been an exciting change for me that allows for a much healthier work-life balance,” Farrer said.

Her move also exemplifies the rising stature of baking and pastry within the culinary world, which NMC addressed by adding a one-year bakery certificate last year. As part of the certificate, watch for Lobdell’s Teaching Restaurant to open as a morning cafe operation this summer.

Mac Beeker

Mac BeekerThree years into his career on the NMC nursing faculty, Beeker, also a 2010 alumnus, still holds the distinction as its sole male member. He’s joined another illustrious group, too: NMC’s Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence recipients, selected by students as the 2017 recipient for teaching excellence, innovation in the classroom, dedication and rapport with students. Exemplifying that rapport, Beeker keeps in touch with many of the students he’s mentored, including Ryan Biehl, a 2016 graduate who just went on to become the first male nurse at his workplace, Farmington Elementary School in Culpeper County, Virginia.

Know a Hawk Owl with a noteworthy flight path? Share it with us by emailing publicrelations@nmc.edu.

Kudos

KUDOS – (praise or respect that you get because of something you have done or achieved) defined by Merriam-Webster.com

Submit a Kudos here.

Kudos to Hagerty Center:  The Extended Education Services sends a big “Thank You” shout out to all the staff at the Hagerty Center. Your incredible support and professionalism put the shine and sparkle on another fabulous Festival of Foods event attended by 120 of our Lifelong Learners. In addition, that same outstanding support and professionalism was critical to the success of the International Affairs Forum 5th Annual Academic WorldQuest quizbowl attended by 60 plus regional high school students. The Hagerty Center is such an outstanding physical venue, but it is the people at the Hagerty Center that make it work. Thank you for all you do to make us all look so good!

 

REVIVE your New Year’s Resolution!

How is your new year’s resolution going? Is it still alive? On Tuesday, February 20 Chris Barr of Blue Cross Blue Shield will provide a collaborative wellness-workshop experience to help make 2018 the year that you achieve your new year’s resolution. Chris has designed this activity to support all resolution topics. Participants will leave with a clear, strategic, and realistic plan for success and an opportunity to make 2018 a great year. Please join us from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. at Founders Hall Room 110 to participate.

NMC Wellness

How about a 15 minute break to get your body moving? Chris Barr, NMC/Blue Cross Wellness Coordinator, is coming to your campus!

TUESDAY- February 20, 2018

10:00-10:15 a.m.- University Center Room 106​

12:45-1:00 p.m.-  Founders Hall Room 110​

1:30- 1:45 p.m.- Great Lakes Campus Room 102

2:15-2:30 p.m.- Parsons Stulen Room 106

He will lead you in a 15 minute exercise session appropriate for the workplace- and leave you with ideas to take back to your office!

Human Trafficking: Awareness to Action

Friday, March 16

10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Milliken Auditorium

Human Trafficking: Awareness to Action is a one-day event that features the Northern Michigan premier of the award-winning film “Break the Chain” by filmmaker Laura Swanson. The purpose of this educational conference is to bring awareness to human trafficking in Michigan. A panel discussion will follow, featuring the filmmaker, founder of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Grand Traverse Prosecuting Attorney. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Afternoon keynote speaker Elinor Jordan is the lead attorney for the Survivor Law Project and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Lunch will be provided to all that attend. There will also be an opportunity to continue the conversation with coffee following the conference.

Register to attend this free event at form.jotform.com/80357887484170.

Food Pantry Food Drive

Donate to win! Donate non-perishable items at the NMC Bookstore between February 19 and March 2, and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to the NMC Bookstore! Every item donated enters your name… enter five items, get your name in the drawing five times!

All donated items will be given to the NMC Food Pantry, which directly assists students in need.

Take advantage of Blue Cross Online Visits

See a doctor or therapist online using your smartphone, tablet or computer. It’s available anywhere in the U.S. Here’s how to get started:

  • Mobile – Download the BCBSM Online Visits app
  • Web – Visit bcbsmonlinevisits.com
  • Phone – Call 1-844-606-1608

Read the FAQ here to learn more about the Online Visits.

Would a $50 gift card help you buy new workout gear or groceries?

The NMC wellness program is designed to support your 2018 goals. Benefit eligible employees who elected medical benefits through NMC can easily earn the reward by completing two easy steps before May 31, 2018.

  1. Complete the 10-minute Online Health Assessment through your Blue Cross Health & Wellness website
  2. Have your doctor fill out and fax your Physician Qualification Form to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Gift cards are redeemed through the Blue Cross Health & Wellness website through the Rewards page.

Questions? Contact our wellness coordinator Chris Barr at cbarr@nmc.edu.

Position Vacancies & Supplemental Employment

Are you looking for career opportunities? Find them here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:

Position Vacancies

  • Mathematics Instructor

  • Mathematics/Physics Instructor

  • Engineering Instructor

  • Voice Systems Administrator

  • Senior Training Specialist – Manufacturing

  • Flight Instructor – Adjunct Faculty

  • Clinical Nursing Adjunct Faculty

  • GLMA Adjunct Faculty

Supplemental Employment

  • Banquet Server – Hagerty Center

  • Kitchen Steward

  • Custodian

Feb. 15 TCIAF event is FREE to students and educators

International Affairs Forum logoThe Traverse City International Affairs Forum (TCIAF) at NMC kicks off the second half of the 2017-18 speaker series on Thursday, February 15, at 6 p.m. at the Milliken Auditorium. with a reception prior starting at 5:15 p.m. This event is FREE to NMC students and educators. February’s event is U.S.-China Trade: The Economics Behind the Politics with James Levinsohn, Professor of Economics at Yale University. His biography is available at campuspress.yale.edu/levinsohn/biography/. To learn more about the TCIAF and upcoming events, please visit tciaf.com.

NMC’s 12th annual Career and Employment Fair is March 1

Please encourage your students to participate in NMC’s 12th annual Career Fair, to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on March 1 at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus. Employers from professional and occupational fields will be recruiting for career-track positions, seasonal and entry-level opportunities, as well as internships, service learning and networking opportunities. More than 70 employers are registered to participate in the Career Fair, the only event of its size in northwest Michigan. For the most updated list as well as more information, visit nmc.edu/careerfair.

NMC Career Success Coach Andrea Hentschel is available to help get ready for the event. Have your students schedule an appointment by emailing ahentschel@nmc.edu or calling (231) 995-3024 for assistance with resumes, interview pitches and general preparation for the career fair.

Participants should bring multiple copies of their resume and dress in business attire. For more tips on job fair preparation, review the job-seeking tools at nmc.edu/careers.

5th Annual NMC SVA Chili Cook Off

February 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Health & Science Building Atrium

Come to the annual chili cook off benefiting NMC veterans, which is sponsored by NMC’s Student Veterans of America (SVA). ANYONE can enter. For more information including rules and an entry form, contact Scott Herzberg at sherzberg@nmc.edu.

  • $1 donation for 3 samples
  • $1 for a bottle of water

Come vote for your favorite chili or enter to win!