Earth Day Celebration: NMC Campus Cleanup & E-waste Recycling Event

Earth Day illustrationThursday, April 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
between the West Hall Innovation Center and Founders Hall

Let’s celebrate Earth Day 2021 by taking the day to clean up NMC’s campus! Grab a friend and join us in this socially-distanced service project—upon arrival, check-in at the Student Success Center table!

  • Campus cleanup and beautification projects (bring garden gloves if you have them, compostable bags will be provided)
  • Onsite e-waste recycling (computers, iPods, laptops, inkjet printer cartridges, cell phones, network equipment, modems, CR card readers, flat screen monitors, printers, home electronics)
  • Book swap
  • Live music courtesy of NMC’s Audio Tech program, and more!

Sponsored by NMC Student Engagement, in collaboration with the NMC Green Team. Please contact Sally Smarsty at ssmarsty@nmc.edu for more information.

Media Mentions for April 5, 2021

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.

NMC strategic planning effort kicks off
Record-Eagle, April 1 (more…)

Light Up the Night organizers create a space for hope and healing

Hawk Owl Helper logoLight up the Night illustrationThank you to the organizers of the Light Up the Night rally scheduled for 7:30-8:30 p.m. this Thursday, April 8, between West Hall and East Hall.

This evening of hope and healing is is sponsored by NMC’s Student Life Office and held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Activities will include flag and chalk decorating, food, a candlelight vigil, and connection with the campus community.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

An Introduction from the NMC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Employee Committee

The Employee Group of the NMC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Team will serve the DEI core team. The Employee Group will work to promote and engage employees in expanding knowledge of and opportunity with diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Group’s broad charge is to initiate, foster, coordinate, evaluate and effectively communicate the diversity, equity and inclusion activities of the College through initiatives and events that support the goal of enhancing the environment for diversity, equity and inclusion within employees and extending to the college. The employee group will also take the lead in addressing areas of need and concern for NMC employees.

Currently, we are working on gathering information on our current state of diversity, equity and inclusion. Thank you if you completed the recent climate survey that was sent out. We are working on summarizing the responses, so a NMC action plan can begin to take form. We look forward to growing, celebrating, and valuing diversity together as employees of Northwestern Michigan College.

Watch the Intercom for “DEI: Insights and Conversations” where we plan to share DEI thoughts, challenges, and topics to get you thinking and keep you up to date on our projects.

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.

Kudos!

Kudos to Kelsey Wright: Kelsey is one of our 7 Supplemental Success Coaches. A student nominated her for the faculty excellence award. Since she isn’t faculty, she won’t be recognized in that way. But we wanted to make sure she was recognized! Great job Kelsey, you are here to support student success and make our team proud!

“Kelsey has truly been inspirational this semester to me. I can’t speak for the other students but she has really pushed me to do my best. Every time we have a conversation I’m so inspired it’s awesome, it was like being in boot camp all over again. The first time we met we went over my schedule and planned out what I should expect from each class. In the proceeding meetings, we went over what is working and what is not working. For example, we went over my study habits and set up a study plan for the week. I remember during the third or fourth meeting the topic of dropping classes was brought up and I was like “no way, with you as my success coach I could climb Mt. Everest.” More recently during midterms and such, I was struggling with my English paper, having a mean case of writer’s block, and it just so happens that Kelsey emailed me asking me if I needed anything. I told her about it and she shared a story she saw on The Weather Channel (believe it or not the weather channel cleared my writer’s block). It was her help that gave me the push needed to finish my paper. Kelsey’s positive attitude is another reason why I don’t want to give up on anything. I look forward to showing her my grades at the end of the semester and thanking her in person for her support.”


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!

IAF teams with IPR for discussion on Protecting Press Freedom

International Affairs Forum logoThe International Affairs Forum continues a worthy annual tradition by commemorating World Press Freedom Day. As ever, it is vital that journalists be able to conduct their work freely, without fear of reprisal. To speak to the ongoing issue, on April 15 @ 7:00 PM IAF welcomes Dr. Courtney Radsch, advocacy director at the Committee to Protect Journalists.

TCIAF protecting press freeedoms graphicDr. Radsch addresses the daily dangers journalists face the world over. She is author of Cyberactivism and Citizen Journalism in Egypt: Digital Dissidence and Political Change. As a veteran journalist, researcher, and free expression advocate, she writes and speaks frequently about the intersection of media, technology, and human rights.

The conversation will be moderated by Jacob Wheeler, NMC journalism instructor, editor of the Glen Arbor Sun, and journalist-at-large. This event will be broadcast via Zoom and simulcast on IPR News Radio, WICA 91.5 FM. Join the discussion on April 15!

The event is open to the public, free for students and educators. Regular season IAF events are “pay what you can” for non-members. Livestream via Zoom and IPR News Radio. Q & A submissions via Zoom only. Find more info at TCIAF.com.

Register Here

Library Book Recommendations – April, 2021

To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog

A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross
A Black Women’s History of the United States is a critical survey of black women’s complicated legacy in America, as it takes into account their exploitation and victimization as well as their undeniable and substantial contributions to the country since its inception. Two award-winning historians, Berry and Gross prioritize many voices: enslaved women, freedwomen, religious leaders, artists, queer women, activists, and women who lived outside the law.
(more…)

Strategic Planning: Trends in Higher Education Workshop

Monday, April 5⋅2:30–4 p.m.

During this presentation, CampusWorks will introduce and lead a discussion on trends in higher education, identifying themes related to enrollment, student success, technology, and accountability that can support institutional transformational objectives.

The workshop will provide an overview of the technology landscape, highlight trends occurring in higher education with a focus on student services/experiences and look at long-range future horizons challenges that could further impact NMC. It will explore the overall use and leveraging of technology to streamline operations and provide desired employee and student experiences, minimizing administrative work. This session acts as a primer to assist faculty, staff, and administration in embracing the redefining of the student experience by challenging them to embrace the possibility of new models of services.

Log in here: campusworksinc.zoom.us/j/91067063235

GLCI reimagines Taste of Success To Go

Hawk Owl Helper logoTaste of Success logoThank you to the Great Lakes Culinary Institute students and instructors who are offering the popular Taste of Success event in a to-go format this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Tickets are $200 for a box that generously serves two. Order online now and pickup April 16 between 4–6 p.m., followed by an online Zoom program at 7 p.m. Taste of Success is the largest annual culinary scholarship fundraiser.


Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!

Media Mentions for March 29, 2021

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.

WSCC, Northwestern Michigan students honored for top academic achievement 
Manistee News-Advocate, March 23 (more…)

Kudos!

Kudos to Becca Richardson: Becca completed EL 101 and successfully created an excellent new EL assignment for her online course! Thank you for being an awesome educator and looking for effective and innovative ways to engage and teach your students!

Kudos to Jacob Wheeler: Thank you for presenting during the faculty showcase portion of the Board of Trustees meeting. The presentation showed your commitment to your students, the White Pine Press, and experiential learning. During this challenging year, you provided a rich learning experience that not only taught your students journalism but also invaluable interpersonal skills. Thank you for including your student’s voice in your presentation, it was awesome to hear about her experience with the WPP!

Kudos to Sarah Montgomery-Richards: Sarah offered her students extra credit to experience an Indian Cooking class on Zoom while they were studying Hinduism. She provided them with the recipes ahead of time and made suggestions where they could find ingredients. They all cooked together on Zoom! Sarah said, “It was great seeing them all in their kitchens, asking questions not only about the food but about topics from class.”


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!

Strategic Planning: NMC needs your help

Dear NMC family,

I am pleased to announce that NMC is kicking off its strategic planning process, and I invite you to take an active role in helping us chart the course for the College’s future. As we embark on our eighth decade as an institution, our ability to take thoughtful risks and remain agile and innovative in a fast-paced environment is more essential than ever.

The Strategic Planning Steering Committee has been charged with coordinating an inclusive approach to engaging all of the College’s primary stakeholders as we clarify who we are, what we want to become, and how we can achieve our desired future state. As co-chairs for the Steering Committee, Vicki Cook and Stephen Siciliano will lead a transparent and open process, culminating in a future-focused plan that will refocus our energies and resources for the next three calendar years as we leverage our past successes to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. (more…)

Baumeler wins national disability services provider award

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC Coordinator of Disability Support Leanne Baumeler received the national Disability Services Provider Award from the American College Personnel Association at a virtual conference in March.

Baumeler, who is also a sign language interpreter, has been NMC’S Disability Support Coordinator since 2010, serving between 90-120 students each semester. She’s also a member of NMC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, Accessibility team and Title IX team, and a past president of the Michigan chapter of the Association on Higher Education and Disability. She also recently was recognized by the Michigan unit of United Cerebral Palsy with the 2020 Closing the Divide Advocacy Award.

Nominated by NMC Associate Dean Kari Kahler, Baumeler was cited for tripling her caseload during her tenure, largely through her own efforts to market her services to students and potential students; her digital workplace foresight; starting an organization for students with disabilities and her liaison efforts with faculty and staff for the benefit of students with disabilities. She is also a member of the area’s Transition Council, which connects her to the region’s disability advocacy community. Find out more about disability support at NMC.

ACPA is a comprehensive student affairs association headquartered in Washington DC at the National Center for Higher Education. Founded in 1924, it has nearly 7,500 members representing 1,200 private and public institutions from across the U.S. and around the world. 

 

Release date: MARCH 25, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019  

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

Baumeler wins national disability services provider award

TRAVERSE CITY — NMC Coordinator of Disability Support Leanne Baumeler received the national Disability Services Provider Award from the American College Personnel Association at a virtual conference in March.

Baumeler, who is also a sign language interpreter, has been NMC’S Disability Support Coordinator since 2010, serving between 90-120 students each semester. She’s also a member of NMC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, Accessibility team and Title IX team, and a past president of the Michigan chapter of the Association on Higher Education and Disability. She also recently was recognized by the Michigan unit of United Cerebral Palsy with the 2020 Closing the Divide Advocacy Award.

Nominated by NMC Associate Dean Kari Kahler, Baumeler was cited for tripling her caseload during her tenure, largely through her own efforts to market her services to students and potential students; her digital workplace foresight; starting an organization for students with disabilities and her liaison efforts with faculty and staff for the benefit of students with disabilities. She is also a member of the area’s Transition Council, which connects her to the region’s disability advocacy community. Find out more about disability support at NMC.

ACPA is a comprehensive student affairs association headquartered in Washington DC at the National Center for Higher Education. Founded in 1924, it has nearly 7,500 members representing 1,200 private and public institutions from across the U.S. and around the world. 

 

Release date: MARCH 25, 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019  

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

Walk-through Commencement planned

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan Colleg is planning a modified, in-person Commencement ceremony for both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020. It will take place Saturday, May 1, 2021, between 1-4 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium in the Dennos Museum Center on NMC’s main campus.

Recent updates to Michigan COVID-19 restrictions make the indoor event possible, and a February survey of graduates indicated a preference for an in-person event. The walk-through Commencement will be held in accordance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines and NMC safety protocols, which are subject to change. Graduates will be assigned a time to walk across the Milliken stage to receive congratulations from college officials. Graduates will most likely be grouped by program area, and will be contacted directly via their NMC e-mail with further details. 

Each graduate may invite two guests inside Milliken. Everyone must wear masks and guest groups will be socially distanced inside the auditorium. The event will not be open to the general public.

The ceremony will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person at youtube.com/NorthwesternMichiganCollege. Following the walk-through, graduates may continue their celebration outside the museum, where additional guests may join, following social distancing guidelines. Additional photo opportunities and congratulations stations will be available under tents. 

Updates will be shared closer to May 1. If you have any questions, contact the NMC Records Office at records@nmc.edu.

Release date: MARCH 24. 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 

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

Walk-through Commencement planned

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan Colleg is planning a modified, in-person Commencement ceremony for both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020. It will take place Saturday, May 1, 2021, between 1-4 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium in the Dennos Museum Center on NMC’s main campus.

Recent updates to Michigan COVID-19 restrictions make the indoor event possible, and a February survey of graduates indicated a preference for an in-person event. The walk-through Commencement will be held in accordance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines and NMC safety protocols, which are subject to change. Graduates will be assigned a time to walk across the Milliken stage to receive congratulations from college officials. Graduates will most likely be grouped by program area, and will be contacted directly via their NMC e-mail with further details. 

Each graduate may invite two guests inside Milliken. Everyone must wear masks and guest groups will be socially distanced inside the auditorium. The event will not be open to the general public.

The ceremony will be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person at youtube.com/NorthwesternMichiganCollege. Following the walk-through, graduates may continue their celebration outside the museum, where additional guests may join, following social distancing guidelines. Additional photo opportunities and congratulations stations will be available under tents. 

Updates will be shared closer to May 1. If you have any questions, contact the NMC Records Office at records@nmc.edu.

Release date: MARCH 24. 2021

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019 

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

Bennett wins Outstanding Family Support Contributor award

Marcus BennettMarcus Bennett (click for high-resolution version)TRAVERSE CITY — NMC Associate Dean of Campus and Residence Life Marcus Bennett has received the 2020 Reserve Officer of America Outstanding Family Support Contributor award for his work to support safe operation of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s training ship cruises.

Bennett was nominated for the award, presented by the Reserve Organization of America, Michigan Department, by GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach. In summer 2020, Bennett facilitated a system of quarantines in NMC residence halls that ensured 42 maritime cadets were able to safely board and sail on the training ship State of Michigan or a comercial vessel despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the six state maritime academies in the U.S. GLMA was one of only two that was able to sail in 2020, which afforded cadets the opportunity to earn required sea time and remain on track to graduate. The award noted Bennett’s efforts helped cadets and family members “endure extreme conditions of a pandemic” and graduate on schedule.

Vaccines may eliminate the need to quarantine before this year’s cruises, but if not, Bennett will be relied upon again, Achenbach said.

“Currently, Dr. Bennett is working tirelessly to ensure that a safe quarantine will be ready in May 2021 for the cadets, if needed,” he said.

Read more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

Release date: MARCH 23, 2021

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

Media Mentions for March 22, 2021

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.

Getting reconnected: State scholarship program on track to bolster NMC enrollment
Record-Eagle, March 21 (more…)