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books available to request from MeLCat!
Thanks to the Student Success team for organizing Mid-Semester Reset, an event series that will help students relax and recharge so that they can power through the second half of the semester. Events are planned Monday through Friday in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. See the schedule here.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
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.
Cheers: To IAF for Academic World Quest
Record-Eagle, March 12
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The NMC Food Pantry is partnering with Feeding America to host a mobile food pantry once a month this semester. Upcoming dates include Tuesday, March 21 and Tuesday, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Maple Lot on NMC’s Main Campus. Mobile pantries are like farmers’ markets on wheels—delivering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods. Anyone who needs access to healthy food is welcome to stop by. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in a drive-thru format.
Kudos to CJ Schneider and Marcus Bennett for keeping the Fitness Center in North Hall staffed and open for longer hours for NMC students and employees. The Fitness Center is a great way to reduce stress and stay healthy physically and mentally.
Kudos to Brady Corcoran, David Chown, Patrick Niemisto & the rest of the Audio Tech students, faculty and staff for their vibrant presence on our campus and in our community! Watching Audio tech put on shows, bring performers to campus, connect with the community and create a safe space for students who are passionate about producing/performing music is experiential learning at its finest. We are so lucky to have this amazing team on our main campus, and to experience the talent that the faculty bring and that they share with our students. Sound Bytes, Great Lakes Folk Festival, Talent Show, Gala to Give, Earth Day, Pride Carnival and more—you guys are here for your college community and we appreciate everything you do! Bravo!
Kudos to Katie Sommer-Ford & Lisa Baldyga! With more than 75 employers and nearly 200 student and community and student job seekers, the 17th annual NMC Career & Employment fair was a huge success. Katie Sommer-Ford planned, organized, and executed this event that engaged business and community partners from around the region. Employers have given incredibly positive feedback saying, “this was the best fair yet for student engagement.” Several faculty from our academic areas were instrumental in getting students to the fair and partnered with businesses. Kudos also to Lisa Baldyga, NMC’s employment readiness specialist, who gave multiple class presentations, tabled in the TJNIC leading up to the fair to offer resources and preparation for students, and met one-on-one to review resumes. This was an incredible collaborative effort with strong benefits for our students, community and regional partners.
Kudos to Gail Kurowski, Jeremy Heinlein, Carly McCall, Tracy Welch & Landon DeHeer! Thank you to those that volunteered to help us the day of the Career Fair with setting up and running the event. Your efforts and the energy you bring to the room makes our attendees and employers feel welcome and have a positive experience. We appreciate that you took time out of your busy day to come help us!
Kudos to Alex Bloye, Nick Nissley & Troy Kierczynski for their recent funding approval from the State of Michigan. Kudos especially to the behind the scenes work to educate our representatives about NMC’s Aviation program. Congratulations!
Kudos to Elizabeth Sonnabend for working closely with 20Fathoms’ staff to create a vital learning experience for anyone wanting to launch a new business. Business Essentials will run this April-June. It is a 9-week program to help individuals launch their business. Designed especially for tech-based businesses, participants will attend weekly virtual classes, meet experts and mentors, access valuable resources, learn alongside peers and attend optional in-person networking events. This course is hosted by 20Fathoms in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College and with support from Hagerty.
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!
The NMC Soccer Club is hosting a 6-on-6 indoor soccer tournament to raise funds for new goals on Sunday, March 19 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Center. 
Cost is $10 per person or $50 per team. Individual players and spectators are welcome to attend.
If you have questions, please contact Isaac Dedenbach at idedenbach@nmc.edu.
The NMC Board of Trustees Building and Site Committee will meet Tuesday, March 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the President’s Office Conference Room
in the Tanis Building on NMC’s main campus. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Jim Bensley, Director of International Services and Service Learning, will hold a workshop on Service Learning on Friday, March 17 at 12:30 p.m. in the Experiential Learning Institute, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 103. The workshop will focus on how to get started using smaller modules. He will provide concrete examples and resources on how to take the first steps to incorporate service learning in a course. Light refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Jim at jbensley@nmc.edu or Tracy at twelch@nmc.edu.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College has formally partnered with Bay Mills Community College in an effort to increase the number of dental assistants serving northern Michigan, and Native American patients in particular.
In February, NMC and Bay Mills, a tribally-controlled Upper Peninsula community college in Brimley, Mich., signed an articulation agreement that will allow Bay Mills’ students to transfer to NMC’s dental assistant program after their first year. NMC’s yearlong dental assistant curriculum allows them to sit for the state exam to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). NMC Dental Assistant Director Beckie Wooters will make a recruiting visit to Bay Mills on April 17.
Ability to earn RDA licensure is a key advantage of NMC’s program, the furthest north among six accredited dental assistant programs in Michigan. NMC has an outstanding pass rate history, exceeding the state of Michigan’s average in both the clinical and written portion of the exams. Since 2019, at least 96 percent of NMC graduates have passed the clinical portion.
“With a registered dental assistant, a dentist can see about 60 percent more patients. They can do more clinical procedures under the dentist’s supervision,” said Dr. Jessica Rickert, a now-retired Traverse City area dentist who hired NMC graduates in her practice.
Rickert is also the first female Native American dentist in the United States, and remains the only one in Michigan. She now consults with insurer Delta Dental of Michigan and leads Anishinaabe Dental Outreach,whose goal is to improve dental health in Native communities. She saw an opportunity to connect NMC and Bay Mills to better serve the Upper Peninsula, where the shortage of dental professionals is especially acute.
“The scarcity of timely dental care is causing serious hardship,” Rickert said of the U.P. “They have a wonderful program at NMC. Dental assisting is such a great career, and it’s really fulfilling and it’s necessary. Let’s make this happen.”
“Our communities need more dental professionals of any kind. This seems like a really good fit,” agreed Diana McKenzie, dean of science and allied health at Bay Mills, which enrolls about 600 students. About 62 percent are Native American. Among more than 315,000 dental assistants nationwide, Rickert said only 0.7% are American Indian or Alaska Native.
Natalia Chugunov, chair of the Bay Mills science department, said she hopes the partnership can benefit tribal health centers, too.
“We try to help both the community, our college and our students,” she said.
Wooters said the agreement is another way to boost enrollment. NMC’s dental assistant program currently has 13 students, and can accommodate 24. Need is great in the lower peninsula as well, she said.
“We’re not filling the needs for all of the jobs,” said Wooters.
NMC recently invested $52,000 in new equipment for the dental assistant program. It has six fully-functioning patient rooms and some of the latest technology, including an intraoral scanner.
“After earning their associate degree and passing the RDA exam, a dental assistant can expect to begin their career making between $18 and $25 per hour,” Wooters said. A typical work week is only four days, offering flexibility. Job settings include general practice dental offices, pediatric offices, oral surgery and other specialty offices, dental labs and more.
The program has been designed with student convenience in mind. Bay Mills’ students can take their first year of general education requirements entirely online. The second year of in-person dental assistant classes is scheduled in a Tuesday-Thursday block, allowing students to spend most of their week back home in the U.P., if necessary. On-campus housing is also available at NMC.
Rickert said the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association and other sources offer scholarships to students of color.
Northwestern Michigan College
Beckie Wooters
(231) 995-1240
bwooters@nmc.edu
Bay Mills Community College
Natalia Chugunov, M.D.
Science Department Chair and Faculty
(906) 248- 8425
nchugunov@bmcc.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
With significant state scholarships and even free tuition for more students than ever before, college has never been a better deal, and Michigan just sweetened it even more for students planning to start this fall.
Debuting this summer, College Edge hosted by NMC is the latest investment the state is making in its student-age population. It’s a free, five-week program to help prepare students starting college at any school this fall in the core subjects of math and English. They’ll also learn tips and tools like time management and studying smarter that will help right away. For completing the program, they’ll earn a $1,000 scholarship toward fall semester tuition.
Edge joins the scholarship programs Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older, and Michigan Achievement for the class of 2023, in accelerating the state toward its goal of 60 percent of adults having a skills certificate or degree by 2030. Edge, however, aims to give students a head start even before they officially enroll. It’s partially a response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered schools three years ago this month, and continues to ripple through student lives.
“It’s intended to address learning loss related to Covid disruptions,” said Jenny Shanker of the Michigan Center for Student Success. “This is a recruitment tool for colleges to #1 help students build their skills to be more successful in their first semester of college.”
The high school class of 2023 will graduate with the pandemic affecting all four years of their secondary education. Studies have shown learning loss and student achievement declines since the pandemic began in March 2020. More broadly, college attendance statewide has dropped 10 percent in just five years, from 62.5 percent in 2017–18 to 52.8 percent last year. While the Grand Traverse region’s picture is better, from 64 percent attending in 2017–18 to 57 percent in 2021–22, it still reflects the downward trend.
Math and English courses were chosen for College Edge because success in those gateway classes is associated with better college completion rates, Shanker said. Now the key is to reach prospective students.
“(This is for) those 50 percent of students who might not be planning to go anywhere to let them know that college is a possibility for them,” she said. “They can build their skills and enter further ahead than they might have thought.”
College Edge offers students a choice of two five-week, Monday–Thursday sessions June 5–July 7 or July 10–Aug. 11. Breakfast, gas cards for transportation and access to a laptop are all included at no cost to the student. College Edge is open to any student starting any college this fall. Those who complete a session hosted by NMC, however, will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College professional communications students are organizing and hosting the eighth annual Big Little Hero Race and the Future Generation Celebration Music Festival on NMC’s main campus on Saturday, April 22.
Both events are an experiential learning project to raise funds towards NMC College for Kids scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Last year’s event raised $5,000 for scholarships. Participants are encouraged to come in their favorite superhero costumes. Following the races there will be children’s games, a silent auction, food, and new this year, the Future Generation Celebration music festival.
The Big Little Hero Race includes three races which all start on NMC’s main campus:
Every year, the Big Little Hero Race selects a local hero to honor during the race. This year’s race will honor Kari Kahler, NMC’s associate dean of Learning Services. Kahler has championed student success via mentorship throughout her lengthy NMC career. Kahler has created a program in which NMC students mentor Blair Elementary School students in an effort to support positive change in the students’ lives.
This year, the Big Little Hero Race is collaborating with NMC Audio Technology students to create the Future Generation Celebration, a free music festival organized and run by NMC students. Acts include Brotha James, Breathe Owl Breathe, and Dixon’s Violin.
Register for the Big Little Hero Race before March 20 to receive a $5 early bird discount, and before April 10 to guarantee a free event T-shirt. For more information, or to register for the race, visit biglittleherorace.com.
Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
Alex Grassa
BLHR Marketing Team
grassaa@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 883-8055
Flying cars, Beyond Burgers and clean energy. The universe contains all possibilities. How does the past lead into the present? What will happen to old polyester clothing and to-go containers? How far will our interstellar journeys carry us? Boldly take your imagination where no one has gone before. The NMC Magazine is seeking your ideas on what the future holds!
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine to complete a submission form for each entry and email the entry to nmcmag@mail.nmc.edu. Hard copies can be delivered to the Fine Arts department (attn: Caroline Schaefer-Hills) or Scholars Hall 214 (attn: Alissia Lingaur). The deadline to enter is Friday, March 17, 2023.
Accepted mediums include:
AI submissions are also welcome. Please see the submission form for additional guidelines.
NMC Campus Life will be hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m. This tournament is open to all NMC staff, students, and faculty and will be held in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building.
If you have any questions please reach out to Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1401.
Public Relations, Marketing & Communications would like your feedback regarding the weekly Intercom email newsletter. Its purpose is to help inform employees of what is happening at NMC and feel connected to the college, and PRMC is assessing how well it achieves this goal. Your input is important to that process.
All NMC employees should have received an email linking to a short 11-question survey to help us gather that input and assess and improve the Intercom. Please complete the survey no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17. It should take about five minutes to complete and your individual results are confidential. Five respondents will be chosen at random to receive a $20 gift certificate to the NMC Bookstore.
Thank you,
NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
Need to unwind and de-stress after midterms? Join the Student Success Team for activities that will help you reset and recharge to finish the semester strong!
Study BunniesMarch 12, 1-4 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
Join us to get a jumpstart on studying for the second half of the spring semester! Student volunteers will be facilitating children’s activities. Backyard Bunch 4-H club will have live bunnies to hold, pet, and cuddle. Light refreshments will be available.
March 13, 12-2 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallway
Create your very own Zen Garden! A Zen Garden is a way of life and is associated with stress reduction. It can produce feelings of calmness and peace and has mental as well as psychological health benefits.
March 14, 12-2 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallway
Plant a Succulent as part of our Mid Semester Reset! Succulents are known to have many health benefits including improving air quality and boosting mental focus.
March 15, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
Relax while immersing yourself in a sound bath. Sound baths incorporate musical instruments to create a meditation experience. Benefits of sound baths include relaxation, stress reduction and improved sleep. Feel free to come and go during this experience or stay for as long as you wish.
March 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
March 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
No artistic talent necessary, just a desire to create and celebrate your accomplishments this semester. All art supplies are provided and beverages are non-alcoholic. Stop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:30.
March 17, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104
The college is in line to receive $3.75 million in state funds to expand its aviation facilities and help address the nation’s pilot shortage.
“We are grateful for the support and advocacy from our state lawmakers, like Sen. John Damoose, who was a key champion of this project, as well as support from members of the house including Rep. Betsy Coffia and Rep. Curt VanderWall,” said NMC President Dr. Nick Nissley. “They see the value in investing in NMC to meet the region’s workforce needs. This is a powerful example of what we can achieve together for northern Michigan through collaboration.”
The critical investment was approved in the state’s supplemental budget last Wednesday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign it in the coming days.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
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.
Adapted in TC: The fullness of human sexuality
Instructor Susan Odgers’ monthly column on living with disability, Record-Eagle, March 5
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The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!