Mar 26, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
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!
Mar 26, 2021 | Intercom, President Updates
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…)
Mar 25, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has learned a student tested positive for COVID-19 who had recently been at the Great Lakes campus. NMC Health Services believes the risk is low for widespread exposure from this case.
The student was symptomatic when at the following location:
- 3-22-21 in the Great Lakes Culinary Institute wing from 12:30–5 p.m.
The student tested positive on 3-25-21.
Any individuals who were in that area during that time are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days following the potential exposure.
NMC has safety protocols in place including mandatory masks, social distancing and cleaning of the space before and after each class. You can read more at nmc.edu/keepsafe.
The College will continue to work with county health departments to monitor the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to communicate with you about cases on our campuses. You can also check the Cases on Campus Dashboard for additional information.
Any student who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact NMC’s Health Services at (231) 995-1255. Any employee who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact Human Resources. Students and employees MUST stay home if sick or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Staying safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses is a shared responsibility. For more information on NMC’s response to the pandemic and important safety information please visit nmc.edu/covid-19. Thank you for your continued commitment to safety at NMC.
For the latest on vaccine availability in Grand Traverse County, including your vaccine phase, anticipated timeline and to schedule an appointment when your phase has been approved, please visit gtcountycovid19.com/vaccine. The vaccine process is expected to take 9–12 months and may change due to vaccine availability. Thank you for your patience.
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
Mar 25, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
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
Mar 24, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has learned a student tested positive for COVID-19 who had recently been on the Aero Park Campus. NMC Health Services believes the risk is low for widespread exposure from this case.
The student was symptomatic when at the following location:
- 3-22-21 APL Building, welding lab from 4–9:30 p.m.
The student tested positive on 3-23-21.
Any individuals who were in that area during that time are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days following the potential exposure.
NMC has safety protocols in place including mandatory masks, social distancing and cleaning of the space before and after each class. You can read more at nmc.edu/keepsafe.
The College will continue to work with county health departments to monitor the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to communicate with you about cases on our campuses. You can also check the Cases on Campus Dashboard for additional information.
Any student who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact NMC’s Health Services at (231) 995-1255. Any employee who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact Human Resources. Students and employees MUST stay home if sick or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Staying safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses is a shared responsibility. For more information on NMC’s response to the pandemic and important safety information please visit nmc.edu/covid-19. Thank you for your continued commitment to safety at NMC.
For the latest on vaccine availability in Grand Traverse County, including your vaccine phase, anticipated timeline and to schedule an appointment when your phase has been approved, please visit gtcountycovid19.com/vaccine. The vaccine process is expected to take 9–12 months and may change due to vaccine availability. Thank you for your patience.
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
Mar 23, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Marcus 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
Mar 22, 2021 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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…)
Mar 22, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
We may not be taking a true Spring Break this year, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pause now and again in the heart of the semester to recharge.
Although we’re interacting plenty over Zoom lately, we are missing out on the rich subculture of the chance hallway encounter and the coffee pot confab.
In the vernal spirit of renewal, NMC Library and Friends present, Revelers at Roost, a staycation for your mind!
- What: Eight mini-newsletters from NMC Library & Friends. ‘Subscribe’ to one, two, or all eight!
- When: March 29–April 2
- How it Works: Browse the contributor blurbs here to find out what kind of things you can expect from their newsletters, then sign up for the ones that interest you. That’s it! For each mini-newsletter you subscribe to, you’ll receive one short message each day of what would have been Spring Break.
Mar 22, 2021 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to the nursing faculty led by Kim Anderson who showed courageous creativity by organizing a Pediatric Simulation Day for nursing students last week, recruiting five children to act out patient scenarios. This exercise allowed students to gain experience treating real “patients” despite hospital and community settings being off-limits due to COVID-19.
Third semester Advanced Maternal-Child students Nathan Lorenz and Sara Hienz (right) are shown assessing Lucille Morrissey, who “fell off her scooter” and has a head bruise, abrasions on her arm, and painful arm. They are following care provider orders by elevating, placing ice and wrapping the hurt arm.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Mar 22, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has learned two students tested positive for COVID-19 who had recently been on main campus. NMC Health Services believes the risk is low for widespread exposure from this case.
The students were asymptomatic when at the following locations:
- 3-16-21 West Hall Innovation Center basement from 6–9 p.m.
- 3-16-21 Hawk Owl Cafe in the West Hall Innovation Center from 6–6:15 p.m.
- 3-17-21 Health & Science Building 208/210, nursing lab from 8–11 a.m.
- 3-17-21 Bookstore in the Health & Science Building from 11–11:15 a.m.
One student tested positive on 3-18-21, the other tested positive today, 3-22-21.
Any individuals who were in those areas during those times are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days following the potential exposure.
NMC has safety protocols in place including mandatory masks, social distancing and cleaning of the space before and after each class. You can read more at nmc.edu/keepsafe.
The College will continue to work with county health departments to monitor the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to communicate with you about cases on our campuses. You can also check the Cases on Campus Dashboard for additional information.
Any student who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact NMC’s Health Services at (231) 995-1255. Any employee who believes they may be positive for COVID-19 should contact Human Resources. Students and employees MUST stay home if sick or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Staying safe and limiting the spread of COVID-19 on NMC’s campuses is a shared responsibility. For more information on NMC’s response to the pandemic and important safety information please visit nmc.edu/covid-19. Thank you for your continued commitment to safety at NMC.
For the latest on vaccine availability in Grand Traverse County, including your vaccine phase, anticipated timeline and to schedule an appointment when your phase has been approved, please visit gtcountycovid19.com/vaccine. The vaccine process is expected to take 9–12 months and may change due to vaccine availability. Thank you for your patience.
Release date: MARCH 22, 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
Mar 22, 2021 | Intercom
The GRASP Reading & Math flexible at-home program lets you take learning with you wherever you go! This proven program is conducted by mail with no screentime. Students complete one lesson a week, June 21–Aug. 20, and our local teachers provide encouraging guidance. $99 for one subject ($49.50 with 100% employee tuition waiver) or $149 for both subjects ($74.50 with waiver).
Registration deadline is May 21.
Email ees@nmc.edu for a Staff Discount Code before registering. Then view details and enroll at nmc.edu/grasp.
Mar 18, 2021 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear NMC community,
One of the points of pride for our college is how many of you have dedicated decades of your careers here to serve our learners. That expertise and historical knowledge have been invaluable to me as I work to learn more about how we can best meet the needs of all of our stakeholders. But with that longevity, we will eventually begin to see some transitions and must take time to recognize and honor those individuals who have helped create the college we know and love today.
It is my privilege to thank Marguerite Cotto for her nearly four decades of service to Northwestern Michigan College as she prepares to retire at the end of 2021. It is incredibly rare to demonstrate such service to one organization these days, but we can all agree how rare she is in many ways. (more…)
Mar 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
March 17, 2021
From left, nursing student Bethany Newell, instructor Amy Trouslot, student Jessica Wichtoski and NMC President Nick Nissley at the Hagerty Center vaccine clinicNMC nursing students this month began contributing to the community-wide effort that has made Grand Traverse County a statewide leader in COVID-19 vaccinations.
Senior practice students have been volunteering at the mass vaccine clinic hosted at NMC’s Hagerty Center every Tuesday since March 2. Instructor Amy Trouslot said the health department contacted her seeking help to vaccinate the 800–1,000 people the site sees daily. It offers the “perfect opportunity” for students to practice community health care, which broadens the acute, hospital care they typically focus on, Trouslot said.
Patti Friedli, a nurse practitioner at the Grand Traverse Health Department and the lead nurse at the March 9 clinic, said the NMC students’ participation freed up other health department staff. A total of 32 nursing students will participate in the clinic through April 20.
“We’re so grateful to have these students. We really don’t have a lot of extra help available. Some of us can go back and do our regular job,” Friedli said.
From left, NMC nursing students Jessica Wichtoski and Kalynn Britten, instructor Amy Trouslot, and students Jamie Grainger and Bethany Newell at the Hagerty Center ClinicFor the students, most of whom are already working, the clinic was a gratifying place to be as the pandemic marks its one-year anniversary.
“It feels good, protecting the community,” said Jessica Wichtoski, 29, a nurse assistant at Munson Medical Center.
Jamie Grainger, 34, agreed. She’s a nurse assistant assigned to the cardiac ICU at Munson, but she’s been floated to the COVID unit.
“It’s rough, and I’m happy to see people doing it,” she said, as a steady stream of patients flowed through the nine vaccination stations set up at the Hagerty Center.
“It was a crazy time,” said Kalynn Britten, 31, a phlebotomist at Munson, of the pandemic’s beginning. She added that on a personal front, while she’s not yet been able to see a nephew born in November, she thinks the wait will be over soon.
“It’s those small steps forward. We’re getting back to some sort of normal,” she said.
The students, who will all graduate in May, spoke highly of their NMC education overall.
“I’m so happy I made this choice,” said Grainger, who was accepted elsewhere but chose NMC. “The instructors have been amazing.”
“You can tell these instructors care and they have such a passion for what they’re teaching,” Britten agreed.
The State of Michigan lists Grand Traverse County as one of the top three counties for vaccination coverage statewide, with 38.7 percent of the population over age 16 vaccinated as of March 15. The statewide average is 24.9 percent. Grand Traverse County is also significantly ahead of the statewide average with the priority group of people ages 65 and over.
Friedli said the health department’s focus on seniors and NMC making the Hagerty Center available has driven that success.
“We have a great facility partnered with NMC. You can just feel the energy and excitement in this building,” she said. “Everyone has pitched in. That’s what public health is.”
Mar 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
March 17, 2021
For more than three decades, Traverse City resident Dick Grout (right) has pushed NMC’s mission to provide lifelong learning opportunities to its outer limits.
The 100-year-old World War II veteran’s Extended Education class records go back to 1988. He’s currently enrolled in a class on the history of U.S. presidents. It’s one of several Grout has taken from Jack Segal, who at 75 was born the year the war ended, in part thanks to Grout’s service.
“I just think it’s important to keep challenged mentally,” said Grout, a widower who lives at the Cordia senior living residential community in Traverse City. “I don’t want to sit here by myself and vegetate. I want to be involved with other people.”
Since COVID hit, Extended Education classes have been virtual, but Grout’s taken the videoconferencing technology in stride.
“We certainly would rather be in person, (but) there’s all kinds of ways to get together,” he said.
Ken Pickering and Jeane PoosGrout’s not the only centenarian student at Extended Education, either. Jeane Poos turns 100 this month. She and her devoted partner Ken Pickering, 95, have a lengthy transcript of EES classes between them. They too have taken Segal’s classes, as well as culinary courses, art and music and getting the most from your iPhone. They’ve been on the instructor side, too, presenting on their travels including a trip to Norway and Russia at Extended Ed’s twice-annual Campus Days.
“We had two rooms full of 50 people,” Pickering recalls.
Poos in fact has created a planned gift for Extended Education so that others may take advantage of the opportunities it offers to all learners, from age 4 to 100, at least.
Visit nmc.edu/ees for information on current classes. Visit nmc.edu/give to find out about planned and other giving opportunities.
Listen to an interview Grout did with the International Affairs Forum at NMC, which he formerly chaired, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II.
Mar 16, 2021 | Intercom, Student News
Thursday, March 18, 8–9:30 a.m.
Protecting Our Mental Health
Registration deadline is noon Wednesday, March 17. RSVP here.
Learn more here: gvsu.edu/hfnorthernmich/
The virtual Health Forum of Northern Michigan, a collaboration of Grand Valley State University, Grand Valley Traverse City Regional Center and Northwestern Michigan College, places a special focus on serving rural health needs in Northern Michigan. The Health Forums are offered twice a year, in spring and fall, and are focused on issues related to rural health. The subject of Thursday’s Health Forum is Protecting Our Mental Health.
Mar 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Retirees
- Jackie Cobb
- Vicki Cook
- Bob Cooney
- Mike Davis
- Jo Gallegos
- Mike Gillett **
- Holly Gorton**
- Rhonda Greiner**
- Mike Jacobson**
- Carol McKee
- Donna Palmer**
- John Pflughoeft**
** Emeritus
Mar 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
Staff & Faculty
5 years
- Lisa Balbach
- Betsy Boris
- Scott Fairbank
- Brenda Garvon
- Jennifer Hricik
- Rori Kawula
- Lindsey Kimball
- Robin Maloney
- Kerry McPherson
- Lynne Moritz
- Sue Newman
- Katharine Zurek Marvin
10 years
- Jeff Cobb
- Mark DeLonge
- Pat Coy
- Sam Foster
- Marcus Bennett
- Ryan Bernstein
- Lindsey Dickinson
- Kerry Fulcher
- Paul Martin
- Laura Mashburn
- Carl Rocheleau
- Melissa Sprenkle
- Lisa Thomas
- Eileen Vaughn
- Dave Weaver
15 years
- Dave Bajema
- Jeff Sabins
- Mike O’Keefe
- Rick Mathis
- Steve Fewins
- Sue Denoyer
- Amjad Khan
- Kristy McDonald
- Sharon Angel
- Judy Druskovich
- Cari Noga
- Heather Robinson
20 years
- Dave Traines
- Mike Franklin
- Mary Jo Elliott
- Robb Houston
- Deirdre Mahoney
- John Zachman
- Jane Zlojutro
- Judy Arnold
- Gary Schettek
25 years
- Jerry Dobek
- Tami Livengood
- Bobbi Garner
- Scott Herzberg
- Beth Norconk
- Brian VanSipe
30 years
- Deb Maison
- Greg LaCross
- Kim Hanninen
35 years
40 years
- Kari Kahler
- Marguerite Cotto
50 years
|
Adjunct
5 years
- Jennifer Ewing
- Diane Clark
- Jonah Powell
- Michael Schmerl
- Lindsay Wiley
10 years
- Travis Irish
- Jody Madion
- Brian Majerczyk
- Mary McKeon-Jacob
- Dave Sprenkle
15 years
- Mark Holley
- Dave Husser
- Jim Szczechowski
Trustees
- Doug Bishop – 15 years
- Rachel Johnson – 5 years
|
Mar 15, 2021 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
