Good afternoon NMC students, and congratulations on your work this semester! I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished toward achieving your goals, especially during such a challenging and uncertain time. Now as we end 2020 and look toward the future there is hope on the horizon. With the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine, we can see a return to fewer restrictions, more in person classes and that much needed social time we’ve all missed in the year ahead.
Since the start of the pandemic, we at NMC have focused on two main goals for you: to keep our students and employees safe, and limit the disruption to learning as much as possible. While it may not have been the year we had planned, we should all applaud the limited number of COVID-19 cases on campus and the new ways of teaching and learning we’ve implemented. I know when you look back at this period in your life, you will be incredibly proud of the perseverance you’ve shown to yourself and your families.
For those of you who will be graduating, a sincere congratulations! I cannot wait to celebrate with you. We are working now to find new ways of having a special commencement ceremony in your honor and will continue to communicate the details with you.
For those of you with more coursework ahead, please stick with it! NMC has amazing advisors, counselors, faculty and many other resources to help you get your needs met and continue on your path to success. While continuing to move forward in pursuit of your goals can be difficult, the research tells us that students who stop out are less likely to return and achieve their goals. So, please don’t stop out. NMC’s staff and faculty are here to help you through this trying time.
2020 has been a challenging and unusual year as my first year as president of NMC, but because of people like you, I am more inspired and more determined than ever to find new ways to help you succeed in 2021 and beyond. It is my privilege to be your president. Thank you for being part of our NMC family!
Happy Holidays!
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010