Adapted in TC: Holding Hope
Read NMC instructor Susan Odgers’ latest column in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, here. (more…)
Read NMC instructor Susan Odgers’ latest column in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, here. (more…)
Stephine Deeren doesn’t just go to work at Addiction Treatment Services. She fulfills her calling.
Her job as a detox care coordinator can be stressful, but Deeren, a 2013 NMC graduate, says that it’s worth it for the chance to help clients individually as well as to change community stigmas about substance abuse.
“It’s really rewarding in that you’re really making a difference,” she said.
What goes around, comes around. Back in high school, Deeren, now 26, was selected as an NMC Commitment Scholar. Since 1993, NMC has offered full-tuition Commitment Scholarships to promising first-generation college students who might not have the means to attend otherwise. The goal: to make a difference in their lives.
The class of 2019 will be inducted next week. Consisting of 113 students from schools throughout the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, it’s the largest Commitment class ever.
It’s a pivotal moment for those students, said Deeren. Her career path began with an Introduction to Psychology class at NMC. She’s now pursuing her bachelor’s degree through Grand Valley State University at NMC’s University Center, and she eventually plans to get her master’s in social work.
“That’s where I found out what I wanted to do, was my first two years at NMC,” she said. “It really allowed me to have that self-discovery that I needed.”
Like Deeren, each student entering Commitment next week will have a chance for a full-tuition scholarship by meeting graduation and grade point requirements. For students outside Grand Traverse County, the value is up to $25,000. Commitment Scholarships are funded through the NMC Foundation and are a priority area for the college.
More than 1,000 students have gone through Commitment, with 91 percent completing the requirements.

Emily Sklodowske is another alumna.
“It was so significant. It was a huge turning point for me,” said the 2007 graduate of Benzie Central High School.
Sklodowske decided to try going away to school first. But after a year at Ferris, she returned to NMC where her Commitment scholarship was still available.
After a year here, Sklodowske was approved to use remaining scholarship funds on a study abroad trip to Italy. That hooked her on international travel and set the course for her career path.
“I knew, after Italy, that I had to go back. I had to keep doing that,” she said.
She now works at Passageways Travel in Traverse City and is planning a trip to Costa Rica in December. Her advice to incoming Commitment scholars? Do everything they can to maximize the opportunity.
“ I would go right straight to NMC after high school, if I could go back and change that,” she said, citing the “top-notch” faculty, classes and experiences she found on campus. “This is something you need to take advantage of.”
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College presents Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit, a traveling exhibit designed to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities through respect for others, comfort during interactions, and awareness of disability issues. Using a multi-media approach to demonstrate respect, comfort and awareness, the exhibit offers suggestions for becoming disability allies and educators.
Students, faculty, staff and the community are encouraged to experience The Ability Exhibit October 18-20, 2015. OnOctober 18, The Ability Exhibit will be highlighted as part of The Big Draw-Grand Traverse, with a related art project and free admission. (more…)
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College presents the new season of Community Cinema, now called Indie Lens Pop-Up. Indie Lens Pop-Up is a neighborhood series that brings people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on the PBS seriesIndependent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most, from newsworthy topics to family and relationships. Build community. Spark conversation. Inspire change. (more…)

Dori Creighton pictured (center) with Cheryl Sullivan (left) and President Nelson (right.)
Dori Creighton, Accounting Assistant, has been selected as the NMC Employee of the Semester for summer 2015.
Dori has displayed the values of Northwestern Michigan College as described below. (more…)
Here is an informal account of the Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, September 28, 2015.
Details on the actions items and reports are contained in the Board Packet available online. (more…)
It’s hard to believe we’re almost one quarter of the way through FY’16. It seems as though it just started! A quarterly check of your department’s operational plan A3 is recommended as a way to ensure that you’re on track with goals for the year and to foster open communication when things are not going as planned. (more…)
This week, all students will be receiving an email from SafeColleges asking them to complete a training course on the Campus SaVE Act. Students are being asked to complete this training as soon as possible (the training will take approximately thirty minutes to complete and requires their NMC user ID and password). The training is designed to provide students with important safety information on sexual misconduct and sexual assault.
If you have any questions, please contact the Student Life Office at (231) 995-1118. (more…)
Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Notable Accomplishments provided by Faculty and Staff
This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Directions (SD) and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria (IE) are provided where possible. (more…)
The Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program invites the public to join them for a community open house on October 9 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Aero Park Campus, Parsons-Stulen Building at 2600 Aero Park Drive, Traverse City. The open house will feature projects such as:
Join us for an opportunity to tour some of the most sophisticated technology in the country. This event will celebrate the state of Michigan’s recognition of NMC as a leader in talent development.
For those departments wanting to get a head start on their FY’17 Operational Plan A3’s, revised templates are now available on the ORPE intranet site. Look for them here:
https://intranet.nmc.edu/depts/orpe/planning/support-toolbox/templates.html
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College, in partnership with many educational organizations and businesses throughout the region, presents The Big Draw – Grand Traverse. This series of events in October 2015 will showcase the regional arts scene and celebrate drawing for all ages and abilities. This year’s theme, Every Drawing Tells a Story, will provide a chance to highlight local illustrators and storytellers along with drawing. (more…)
Join us Monday, Oct. 12 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Milliken Auditorium for a night of music to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Larry Plamondon will serve as emcee. (more…)
Join us for the first ever NMC Indigenous Peoples Tradition Pow Wow on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Traverse City Central High School. Event is FREE! Grand Entry will take place at 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. with an intermission at 4:30 p.m.
For more info contact the NMC Native American Student Organization: tparker@nmc.edu or (231) 995-3025 (more…)
The Training Services September 2015 Newsletter is here! Metrics, Visual Management and Huddles to Drive Continuous Improvement, 5 technologies to increase productivity, check out upcoming training workshops and more! Check it out here.
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The library has purchased many new books so far this new year. You can view a handful here or click here to see the full listing. These books are on display in the lobby of the library’s lobby. (more…)
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 30 university representatives will be on NMC’s campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 13 to talk with students, staff and faculty about their programs and the transfer process. The university representatives will be located in the lobby of the Science/Math Building and in West Hall.
Students have the opportunity to discuss transfer requirements and get information on degrees available at a variety of schools without having to travel to each university. Bring questions and explore your options!
Advising Center
Osterlin Building, main level
(231) 995-1040
advising@nmc.edu
TRAVERSE CITY — Did you study or work at Northwestern Michigan College between 1951 and 1976?
You are invited to celebrate the first 25 years of the College’s history in photos and to help build the Osterlin Library Archives’ knowledge of memorabilia from this period at an Open House Sunday, Oct. 25 at the NMC Osterlin Library. This event is hosted by the NMC Alumni Relations program at the Foundation.
The Open House will be from 1 to 4 p.m., with light refreshments, historic video viewings and a special presentation at 2 p.m. This will include time for you to reconnect with former classmates and professors, and to share their NMC memories with the group.
Photos from the first 25 years that are in need of identification will be on hand for you to review and add your first-hand knowledge to the Archives.
Please also consider bringing NMC photos you would like to donate to the Archives.
RSVP by calling (231) 995-1021 or e-mailing alumni@nmc.edu.
Call (231) 995-1021 or e-mail alumni@nmc.edu.