Kudos!

Kudos to Robert Watrous, Bradley Villeneuve and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen. On behalf of the entire graduating class, staff, and faculty, I wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to you and your team for your invaluable contribution to our recent college commencement ceremonies. Your presence added a touch of dignity, respect and patriotism to the event, setting the tone for the significance of the occasion.

Kudos to the Commencement Volunteers. Thank you to Denny Nguyen, Brittany Hanbury, Lisa vonReichbauer, Ali Thornton, Theresa Scott, Suzanne Rizzo, Lindsey Dickinson, Hannah Rodriguez, Katie Sommer-Ford, Zach Whitaker, Ryan Bernstein, Bridget Munroe, Linda Berlin, Tracy Welch, Taylor Nash, Lisa Thomas, Molly Norville, Lynne Moritz, and any other volunteer I may have missed, I wanted to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your invaluable contributions to our recent commencement ceremonies. It is because of volunteers like you that our ceremonies were able to proceed seamlessly, leaving a positive impression on everyone in attendance. Your willingness to give your time and energy to help celebrate this important milestone in the lives of our graduates truly embodies the spirit of community and service.

Kudos to Megan Holtrey and Maria Ulrich. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work were instrumental in ensuring that Commencement ran smoothly and that our graduates had a memorable and enjoyable experience. From assisting with logistics to providing support behind the scenes, your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thank you once again for your invaluable support and for being an essential part of our special day.

Kudos to the Public Relations, Marketing & Communications department. On behalf of the entire commencement committee, I wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your department for the invaluable support you provided in making our recent commencement ceremonies a resounding success. Your expertise in communication, promotion and coordination played a vital role in ensuring that our ceremonies received the attention and recognition it deserved. From crafting engaging press releases and coordinating media coverage to managing social media campaigns and promoting the event to the wider community, your efforts were instrumental in generating excitement and interest surrounding the ceremony.

Kudos to the Bookstore, Alumni Services and the Extended Education Services department. Thank you for being a part of the NMC commencement ceremonies. You helped to make the day a huge success. It was wonderful to have all of the support for our graduates and their families.

Kudos to the Facilities department. I wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your department for the invaluable support you provided in making our recent commencement ceremony a success. From setting up the venue to ensuring that everything ran seamlessly behind the scenes, your efforts did not go unnoticed. Your contributions were instrumental in creating a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere that will be cherished by all who attended.

Kudos to Kyle Morrison, Eric Carlson and Chris Hanna. Thank you for all of your help with the 2024 commencement ceremonies. From recording Nick’s message to the grads (with closed captioning) to livestreaming the ceremonies, your efforts did not go unnoticed. Your dedication, hard work, and attention to detail played a crucial role in ensuring that our ceremonies proceeded smoothly and flawlessly. Thank you once again for your invaluable assistance and for going above and beyond to help make our commencement ceremonies a success.

Kudos to Colleen Burry. A huge thank you to Colleen Burry for organizing and executing a smooth set of commencement ceremonies on May 4! Colleen’s effort allowed me to attend my son’s commencement in Marquette. This effort takes months of organization and dedication. Colleen also implemented a Grad Fair this year which resulted in increased attendance at our ceremonies. Way to go, Colleen!

Kudos to Esther Nance, Chad Schenkelberger and the Hawk Owl Café. Huge thanks to Esther, Chad and Staff at Hawk Owl Café for a last minute coffee 911 order for CIT IT Olympics. Your team truly saved the day as our many volunteers need their morning coffee to effectively run the registration for the CIT Olympics and I totally forgot to put in the coffee order ahead of time.


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!

Welcome our newest hires

These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!

    • Maddy Randolph, student employee – Residence Life
    • Steven Schmitt – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
    • Emma Nerone, supplemental employee – Welding Assistant
    • Ted Kocher – Adjunct Audio Technology Instructor
    • Andrew Bigwood, supplemental – GLMA Able Body Deck Crew
    • Marco Cilano, student employee – Aviation Line Crew

Crucial Conversations for Accountability training

12Registration is open for Crucial Conversations for Accountability! This course is strongly recommended for all supervisors and anyone who wants to improve their relationships.This in-person, experiential learning based course provides a step-by-step process, tools, and support for resolving performance gaps, enhancing accountability, reducing resentment, eliminating inconsistency, and improving performance both at a professional and a personal level. During this 2-day training, learn how to have those difficult conversations in a way that solves problems while improving relationships. Note: Both days are required for course completion.

Dates/times:

    • Wednesday, May 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Thursday, May 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is no cost to employees for this course (the course retails for $799 at U of M). Participants receive a free copy of the book Crucial Accountability.

Follow these instructions to sign up now for this effective, experiential learning based course.

For questions, contact professionaldevelopmentinstitute@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1143.

 

State dental award presented for NMC-tribal college partnership

Beckie WootersBeckie Wooters (download high-resolution photo)TRAVERSE CITY —NMC Dental Assistant program director Beckie Wooters has been named the 2024 Allied Dental Professional Educator by the Michigan Dental Association.

Wooters was selected for NMC’s articulation agreement with Bay Mills Community College, which seeks to enroll students from the tribal college in the U.P. at NMC in order to increase access to dental care.

Dr. Jessica RickertDr. Jessica Rickert (download high-resolution photo)Retired Traverse City area dentist Dr. Jessica Rickert, who connected NMC and Bay Mills, accepted the award on Wooters’ behalf at the MDA’s annual session in Lansing in April. Rickert is the first female Native American dentist in the United States. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach, whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities. Rickert saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.

Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan. Wooters also designed a second-year program schedule that will allow BMCC students to return home for frequent visits.

Find out more at nmc.edu/dental.

Release date: MAY 17, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Mobile – call or text)

 

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

AquaHacking Challenge winners announced

Thanks to everyone at NMC who made the AquaHacking Great Lakes Challenge a success: Hans VanSumeren, Ed Bailey, Lisa Cooper, and Matt Hirsch, Steve Rice with the Office of Possibilities, with executive support from Jason Slade. At last week’s finale, $35,000 in prize money was divided among three start-ups, including Wave Lumina of Traverse City, the second-place finisher.


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

933 students earn spring Dean’s List distinction

TRAVERSE CITY — Congratulations to the 933 students who earned Dean’s List distinction for the spring 2024 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.

Attached is a list of students who achieved Dean’s List honors for the spring 2024 semester at NMC.

Release date: MAY 13, 2024

 

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

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

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. 

Want to view upcoming classes at a glance? View the NEW Calendar of Classes.

Date Night: Social Partner DanceNMC Extended Education date night dance class
4 sessions; Thursdays, May 16–June 6; 6:15–8 p.m.
Employee price: $32 (public price $199)
Have you always wanted to dance, already love to dance, or have a wedding or event coming up where dancing is expected? Perhaps you’re looking for a new date night activity? Here’s a fun Thursday night answer. Learn to connect with a partner and be able to dance to any kind of music—to listen, co-create, trust, and become a better dancer.
Register here

Explore Pen & WatercolorNMC Extended Education watercolor class
2 sessions; Wednesdays, June 5 & 12; 6:30–9 p.m.
Employee price: $39 (public price $99)
Have you dabbled in sketching or watercolor painting? Are you an addicted doodler? Are you intrigued about adding an illustrative perspective to your work? Join Jan Oliver, watercolor artist, and look at nature, close up, and capture what you see using pencil, pen, and watercolor paint.
Register here

Date Night: Spring Farmers MarketNMC Extended Education spring market class
Wednesday, June 12; 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Employee price: $46 for 2 people (Public price $175)
Ready to ditch the grocery store blues and embrace the bounty of spring? Grab your partner, parent or friend and learn how to transform farmers market finds into delicious plant-powered plates. An optional glass of wine may be purchased at registration.
Register here

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Media mentions for May 13, 2024

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.

Rebel with a cause: Mayfield booster Edna Sargent dies
Record-Eagle, May 11
(more…)

IAF to explore indigenous sovereignty on May 16

Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum welcomes Matthew L.M. Fletcher for a hybrid event at 12:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 16 to discuss tribal sovereignty and history.

Fletcher is the Harry Burns Hutchins Collegiate Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School. He teaches and writes in the areas of federal Indian law, American Indian tribal law, Anishinaabe legal and political philosophy, constitutional law, federal courts, and legal ethics.

Fletcher also sits as an appellate judge for the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska, and the Tulalip Tribes. He is a member of the Grand Traverse Band.

The moderator for this event is Mark Wilson, a citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians and former Vice-Chair of the Tribal Council (2014-2022). Wilson serves as Mayor Pro Tem of Traverse City and is a member of the International Affairs Forum Advisory Board.

The event will open and close with a drum ceremony by Dusty Bear, composed of members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

This event is supported in part by grant funding from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The event will be held at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St, Traverse City, MI. There will be a welcoming reception at 11:30 a.m.. The 12:30 program is also available to livestream online.

Visit TCIAF.com for event details and to secure in-person & online tickets. Event admission is free for students & educators, including all employees of NMC and area schools.

IAF logo

Additional funding available from the Office of Possibilities

Do you have an idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential? If so, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! OOPS seeks to provide resources for education-related projects as well as projects related to community partnerships with NMC.

The Office of Possibilities is hosting it’s final pitch event for the academic year on Tuesday, May 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room 104/105 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Take advantage of this opportunity to kick-off the next innovative project! The timeline will be very tight and the turnaround quick!

Those interested should submit an application by May 7 to determine their eligibility and to be connected with an OOPs team member to assist in planning the pitch.

 

Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees

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. 

Want to view upcoming classes at a glance? View the NEW Calendar of Classes.

Functional FitnessNMC Extended Educational Services Functinal Fitness Class
12 sessions; Tuesdays & Thursdays May 14 – June 20; 6–6:45 a.m.
Employee price: $32 (Public price 175)
Early bird exercisers, this one’s for you! Join IT guru and fitness fanatic, Kyle Morrison, for this early morning workout that blends flexibility, strength training, aerobics, posture improvement, and breathing techniques to increase overall fitness and enhance recovery. Participation in this class will be alongside others with similar goals, abilities and limitations – a personalized experience unique to each individual. Utilize a mix of boxing, kettlebells, and bodyweight exercises, ending with a total body stretch to promote recovery.
Register here

Knife SkillsNMC Extended Education Knife SKills class
Tuesday, May 14; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $34 (public price $99)
The first step in becoming a confident home chef is choosing the best knife for the job! Chef Les Eckert will guide you in honing important knife skills. Work with carrots, celery, cauliflower, red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, lemon, and avocado using the methods of julienne, dice, concasse, zest, juice, roast, blanch, mince, and chiffonade. Following knife work, you will prepare and eat a meal as a class.
Register here

Barre ExpressNMC EES Barre Express
5 sessions; Fridays, May 31 – June 28; 12–12:45 p.m.
Employee price: $34 (Public price $75)
Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on campus map)
Looking for a quick lunchtime workout? Whether you are new to fitness or you’ve danced for many years, get ready for a fun way to strengthen your entire body!
Register here

 

Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.

EES Help Desk

Media mentions for May 6, 2024

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 celebrates Class of ‘24
Record-Eagle, May 5
(more…)

Dennos Spring Art Market

Dennos Museum Spring Art MarketOn Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Dennos Museum Center will be hosting the Spring Art Market. Engage with 25 talented artists selling work in a range of media from painting, printmaking, illustration, mixed media and ceramics to glass, wood, fiber, and jewelry. Take a museum stroll with mom and enjoy a pianist playing in the galleries. Create a Mother’s Day card with our docents. There is fun for all during this FREE DAY at the museum.

    • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spring Art Market
    • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Printmaking and ceramic demos throughout the day
    • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. card making project
    • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pianist in the galleries
    • 12–2 p.m. Coffee and cookies in the galleries (or as long as they last)
    • 2–3 p.m. Special behind-the-scenes tour with the Director

Parking is free in the Dennos Museum Center lot and throughout NMC’s campus.

People Need People blood drive June 4

Donate blood and help save lives!

Versiti Blood Centers is holding another blood drive on campus. The blood bus will be in the Cedar Lot on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, from 12–4 p.m. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome! Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. All donors will receive a free t-shirt. 

 If you want to sign up please click on the link below or call 1(866) Mi-Blood.

For questions, contact Heidi Robinson from Veristit at hrobinson@versiti.org.