Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Activities of Note: Faculty and Staff
This section recognizes the good work being done and linkages to the Strategic Agenda, Strategic Directions and Goals are provided where possible.
- Stephen Siciliano attended the GLMA alumni dinner on Saturday, February 16. Steve Rawlins, our 2012 Outstanding Alumni, was the keynote speaker. He gave an information talk on the role of energy in the state. Admiral Achenbach gave a state of the academy presentation, highlighting our achievement of the community college bachelor’s degree and the acquisition of the maritime simulator. Thank you to the alumni society for awarding two $750 scholarships to two of our cadets. Thanks also to Board Chair Doug Bishop and Board Trustee Kennard Weaver for attending this event. (SD4)
- On February 4, the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute participated in a panel discussion at the GT Civic Center regarding Great Lakes water levels. Hans Van Sumeren’s talk, “Influences on Great Lakes Coastlines,” was part of a broader discussion aimed at providing baseline information for interested parties to better understand past, present and future trends likely to be seen on the Great Lakes. Given the current state of Lake Michigan water levels, there was a great deal of interest with both local and regional stakeholders in attendance. The event also included speakers from Michigan Sea Grant, US Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. (SD2, SD3, SD4)
- The 2013 Tasters Guild Auction was our “best ever” bringing in more than $92,000 for culinary scholarships. This represents a 17% increase over last year. Trustee Bill Myers and Nancy Johnson attended the event in addition to many NMC staff. The Taster’s Guild Committee, culinary faculty, staff, and students deserve a huge pat on the back for putting on this fantastic event featuring fabulous culinary treats, local wine, beer, and even a local vodka this year! (SD2, SD4)
- The Board of Trustees Retreat was a great success. Thank you for the time you took to participate in the review of our strategic plan progress. Thank you as well to the Vice Presidents who provided the support and helped manage the program in my absence. (SD1-SD5)
- A group of NMC students participated in an Alternative Spring Break. During the week of March 25, thirteen NMC students and two chaperones who are staff at United Way, went down to New Orleans and served the St. Bernard Parish by continuing to reconstruct homes in this area affected by Hurricane Katrina. This Alternative Spring Break trip is a collaboration between NMC and United Way to provide an avenue for college students to give of their time through service and volunteerism. Staff at United Way reported that our NMC students worked very hard and demonstrated a great willingness to help others. (SD3)
- Thank you to all who planned, executed and attended the Signing Ceremony for Reverse Transfer Agreements this week. This is an important set of relationships for our students. (SD1)
Activities of Note:
- As Acting President, Stephen and the other Vice Presidents hosted the March 5 Town Hall meeting in my absence. These open forums are scheduled twice a year and continue to provide a good opportunity for open sharing and addressing questions of faculty and staff.
- Nancy and I had dinner with Senator Walker and his wife on March 8.
- TCAPS Superintendent Steve Cousins and I did a joint presentation at the noon Rotary Club on March 12 on how K-12 and Community Colleges are funded. There were good questions from the audience and I have received positive feedback since. The presentation is available from our office if you wish to see it.
- I attended the MCCA Spring Meeting in Detroit March 14-15. Two important presentations about the skills gap in Michigan were presented. I’ve asked for electronic copies of these and will make them available when I receive them.
- Nancy and I hosted a table at the Culinary Institute’s Germany Dinner. As you would expect, the evening was a great success and our guests enjoyed it.
- I continue to serve on the Munson Healthcare Finance and Audit Committee, along with serving on the Munson Medical Center Board and attended meetings for both last week. As I learn more and more about health care reform, it influences my thinking about the future reforms facing higher education.
- I spent the day in Lansing on March 21 attending the MPSERS Board meeting, the Prima Civitas Foundation Board meeting, and a meeting at the Governor’s Office with Bill Rustem, the Governor’s Chief Strategist.
- We are fortunate to be one of 15 institutions to be invited to Washington D.C. for a full day discussion on the Future of Nursing Education in the United States. This program is funded by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, the AACC and ACCT. I’ve been in conversations with our faculty, senior executives at Munson and private consultants to gather information prior to my attendance. I look forward to this opportunity and will provide a report at our next Board meeting.
Legislative Issues
- The budget process continues in Lansing with the House presenting their budget and the Senate’s to follow soon. Attached you will find the most recent legislative update from the MCCA.
Miscellaneous
- The next time you are in the President’s Office, please welcome our new Administrative Coordinator Sara Hartley, who joined us on March 18.