Adapted in TC: Helping to find housing solutions
Read NMC instructor Susan Odgers’ latest column in the Traverse City Record-Eagle here. (more…)
NMC Jazz Bands in concert
Presenting the Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Big Band, both directed by Laurie Sears and featuring an evening of music by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Wayne Shorter, Henry Mancini, Jerome Kern and Benny Carter! Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Milliken Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. (more…)
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet comes to perform at the Dennos Museum Center
The Dennos Museum Center at Northwestern Michigan College will present, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 8 PM in Milliken Auditorium. Tickets are $27 advance, $30 at the door and $24 for museum members plus ticket fees. Tickets may be purchased on line at www.dennosmuseum.org or by calling the box office at 231-995-1553 or My North Tickets at 800-836-0717. (more…)
Important dates for the NMC Bookstore
The following are important dates for the NMC Bookstore, located in the lower level of West Hall. For more information about the bookstore click here. (more…)
Hawk Owl selfies wanted!
STUDENTS, we need your selfies! We are seeking both male and female models for a photo shoot.
Submit your selfies to publicrelations@nmc.edu for your chance to be a smiling face of NMC! (more…)
Position vacancies
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
Custodian 3rd Shift
Supplemental Learning Services Office Assistant (more…)
Benefits corner- Open Enrollment window closes on Nov. 25
Open Enrollment Window closes on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 5pm. Please be sure you have completed your enrollment.
Open Enrollment Information on the Employee Site can be found here. (more…)
Kudos!
Kudos to the following people and departments! (more…)
Student jobs
Student jobs can be found on the Student MyNMC page under “Jobs On Campus.”
Lab Assistant – Biology
Tutor
White Pine Press Staff (more…)
Employee anniversaries
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Welcome to NMC!
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff! (more…)
Quit like a champion- Great American Smoke Out
Taking place on Thursday, November 19- This is the day to quit! Because when you win one day, you can win them all.
Stop by Student Health Services and see human lungs and get the resources you need. Trade in your tobacco for a surprise! (more…)
Extreme Fibers: Textile Icons and the New Edge at the Dennos Museum Center
The Dennos Museum Center (DMC) at Northwestern Michigan College will present the exhibition Extreme Fibers: Textile Icons and the New Edge December 13, 2015 – March 6, 2016.
Extreme Fibers: Textile Icons and the New Edge examines the state of fibers and textiles in the fine art world today. The exhibition was organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) with guest curator Geary Jones who invited a group of “major” artists from around of the world and then enhanced that core show with a jury-selected body of work. The result, Extreme Fibers, features 136 artworks by 79 artists representing 25 States from the U.S., as well as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Norway, Peru, Poland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. (more…)
Thank you on the Behalf of NMC Veterans
Friends and Colleagues,
On behalf of NMC veterans, I would like to thank you for not only participating in the recent Veterans Day Honor Walk, but for all that you do year-round to support our veteran students. (more…)
Student Research Conference: National hunger and homelessness awareness week
On Wednesday, Nov. 18 come take part in events for National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Events take place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and include: (more…)
New books at the Osterlin Library- November’s highlights
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…)
NMC, TC Police open satellite police office on campus
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College and the Traverse City Police Department opened a satellite office on NMC’s main campus today, an effort to build upon existing communication and partnership between the college and law enforcement.
The satellite, or sector office, is co-located in the NMC security office in West Hall. Officers will have a desk, computer and phone available 24 hours a day.
NMC Assistant Director of Security Jim White initiated the idea of a satellite police office on campus proactively, not due to any increase in crime. Traverse City officers already conduct vehicle patrols of campus. The satellite office will serve as a base from which officers can establish face-to-face relationships and learn the needs of the campus community.
“Our faculty, staff, students can get to know the officers that work this area, give us more of a one-on-one relationship with local law enforcement,” White said.
TCPD Interim Chief Jeff O’Brien said the satellite office fits with his goal to restructure the TCPD along a community policing model. The department has operated one other satellite office, in the emergency room at Munson Medical Center, since January 2010.
“It falls in line with that philosophy, that concept. This is a prime example of how you decentralize an agency,” O’Brien said. “Any time we can get our guys out of the car, it’s a good thing. They’re going to meet staff, and make friends, go out for coffee.”
White called the new office a “win-win.” In the wake of events like the Oct. 1 shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, a more visible police presence could provide both deterrence and reassurance.
There is no cost to NMC, which will continue to contract with Grand Rapids-based DK Security to provide private security on all four campuses.
“This is not costing the college anything, this is not costing the taxpayers anything. This is just to have exposure,” O’Brien said. “We’re thinking about safety of the students, we’re thinking about having a plan, we’re thinking about a partnership with the police department, the college, security.”
RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jim White
NMC Assistant Director of Security
(231) 995-1939
jwhite@nmc.edu
Jeff O’Brien
TCPD Interim Chief
(231) 995-5170
jobrien@traversecitymi.gov
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
President’s Update for November 16, 2015
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. (more…)
Get your flu shot today!
Be healthy for the holidays! Get your flu shot at Health Services! Just $15! Walk In: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Located in the Biederman building. (more…)
International Affairs Forum presents: “Diplomacy in an Election Year: What’s at Stake?”
Join the International Affairs Forum as they present Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, America’s legendary diplomat as he leads the discussion Diplomacy in an Election Year: What’s at Stake? The event will take place Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6:00- 7:15 p.m. in the West Hall Conference Room with a reception prior to the presentation at 5:15 p.m. This event is FREE to all current students and educators. (more…)
2015 Barbecue projects to share $40,000
TRAVERSE CITY — The NMC Barbecue Board has approved nine projects that will share $40,300 in funds from this year’s 60th annual picnic under the pines, set for May 17.
College employees submit proposals for Barbecue funds to support program and equipment needs, contingent on funds raised that day. A subcommittee reviews and recommends proposals to the Barbecue Board, a group of NMC employees and community volunteers led by new president Gary Carlson. This year’s recipients are:
- NMC traditional pow-wow
- Multi-parameter water quality sonde
- Student Success Center workspace
- Lean Champion flipped classroom equipment
- College for Kids scholarships
- Library laptop loan program
- ROV student design team tether
- Scholarship Open sponsorship
- Side scan sonar for Nautical Archaeology
The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fund raiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate all the food. About 10,000 people attend every year, raising more than $1.5 million for college programs and equipment over the years.
In addition to the traditional menu of buffalo steakettes or hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and beverage and ice cream served from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on May 17, free live entertainment is provided throughout the day. Children’s games and activities will also be provided. The Barbecue will once again strive toward zero-waste, with composting and recycling services available.
Tickets for the event are $6 in advance and $8 on Barbecue Day and are available online at nmc.edu/bbq or by contacting the NMC Office of Public Relations & Marketing at (231) 995-1020.
Release date: march 13, 2015
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-discriminationNMC student is top in the state after overcoming great challenges
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College student Kathy Tahtinen has been named the “New Century Scholar” for Michigan.
Tahtinen received the highest score in the state on the All-USA Community College Academic Team Application which measures grades, leadership, activities and most importantly, how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.
This honor is especially meaningful for Tahtinen, a returning college student. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1994 but had only one year of college before her life took a different turn, namely becoming a mother to two sons. She joined the workforce, but lost her job in the economic downturn. After two and a half years of unemployment, she decided to enroll at NMC in 2011.
Returning to school was scary, she told her teachers then. Initial placement exams indicated she was underprepared for college and she was now a single mother to teenagers. On top of all the usual demands teenagers impose, Tahtinen’s older son, Dominic, has been challenged by progressive hearing loss since birth.
But once enrolled in NMC’s Bridge program designed for nontraditional students, her confidence and ambition were unveiled. She has a cumulative 3.95 GPA, even while taking honors level courses. She is a member of NMC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society, works full-time for Inland Seas Education Association as well as seasonal part-time jobs and will graduate with three associate degrees this spring.
Tahtinen is considering various options to continue her education, including beginning the process of applying to Harvard University for an extension program.
“It makes me really excited,” she said.
During this last year at NMC she has also shared classes with her son, who’s dual-enrolled as a high school senior. They sit next to each other in science class.
“For me, it’s a proud moment to have my son following in my educational journey,” she said.
Tahtinen will receive a $2,000 scholarship and be recognized March 24 at the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention in Lansing, April 20 at the American Association of College Presidents AACC Convention in San Antonio and then May 1 at NMC’s Honors Convocation.
Fifty community college students from the United States and American Samoa were named 2015 New Century Scholars — receiving a total of $100,000 in scholarships. The New Century Scholars Program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges.
More than 1,700 students were nominated from more than 1,000 community colleges for recognition.
Release date: March 6, 2015
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-discriminationManufacturing Day offers career exploration opportunity
Note to media: Coverage is welcome at participating manufacturers (list below) between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Contact Ken Scott for location details: kscott@nmc.edu or (231) 995-2212.
TRAVERSE CITY — Two dozen local manufacturers will open their doors to 600 area middle and high school students, triple the inaugural 2014 attendance, as Traverse City marks its second annual Manufacturing Day Oct. 2.
Manufacturing Day is an annual national event designed to showcase the career opportunities modern manufacturing technology offers. Last year eight manufacturers in the Traverse City Airport Industrial Park hosted 200 students, with each student visiting three busineses. This year, students will again visit three manufacturers located on eight different bus loops in Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties. Representing industries including automotive manufacturing, food production, precision tool and screen printing, the event is designed to showcase the diversity and opportunity of manufacturing careers to a future potential workforce.
“It shows students that there’s another avenue after high school,” said Dan Oberski, principal at Traverse City West High School, which will send students to the event. “It’s been something that’s been overlooked for so long.”
Overlooked because manufacturing today is a far cry from the Industrial Revolution-era images students might see in their textbooks, of dirty, gritty, largely urban factories.
“Manufacturing Day illustrates we have some real booming, bustling businesses right here in town,” Oberski said.
NMC Training Specialist Kennith Scott said engaging students is key to local manufacturers, who face the dilemma of growing markets but an aging skilled workforce.
“It’s just putting energy into the problem and getting the community to see the opportunities,” in skilled trades like machining, fabrication and welding, Scott said.
Northwestern Michigan College is coordinating the event in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council. Participating manufacturers include Kennametal, RM Young Co., Clark MFG, SMI Aerospace, National Vacuum Equipment, CPM Extrusion, Tool North, Tran Tek, Forkardt, Microline, Plascon, United Engineering Tooling, Britten Studios, TentCraft, Bay Motor Products, SMI Automotive, Cone Drive, Strata Design, Cherry Capitol Foods, RJG , Kalkaska Screw, Coding Products and Hayes Manufacturing
Established in 2012, Manufacturing Day seeks to expand knowledge about and improve the general public’s perception of manufacturing careers and the industry’s value to the U.S. economy. The Traverse City event is one of more than 1,000 planned around the nation.
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kennith Scott
NMC Training Specialist
kscott@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2212
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-discriminationThe Syrian Refugee Crisis: A First-Hand View
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s International Affairs Forum and the Utopia Foundation will present a global hot spot conversation and an opportunity to donate to the Syrian refugee crisis at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 in Milliken Auditorium.
Speaker Dr. Curt Rhodes comes to Milliken directly from working at refugee camps in Jordan. Rhodes is the founder and international director of Questscope, an NGO founded in that country that works with individuals, communities, local organizations and international partners to produce social, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities for marginalized youth in the Middle East.
The Syria conflict has fueled the worst humanitarian crisis of modern times. Before fighting broke out in 2011, Syria’s population was 22 million. Today, half those Syrians have been forced to flee their homes. More than 7 million are now displaced within Syria and 4 million have become refugees in neighboring countries of Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. These countries are now overwhelmed and, as resources have begun to run out, conditions have sharply deteriorated.
Rhodes began his career in the Middle East in the early 1980s as assistant dean in the School of Public Health at the American University of Beirut. During the 1982 invasion of (west) Beirut, he volunteered in a community-based clinic alongside students and friends, doing around-the-clock triage for wounded and ill civilians. That experience formed the seed of Questscope, and Rhodes has now spent more than 30 years working with and on behalf of marginalized communities and young people across the Middle East.
Tickets are $10 and free to students and educators. Half of each ticket price will go to Questscope’s emergency fund for Syrian refugees in Jordan. The Utopia Foundation will also match the first $1,000 of donations made during the evening.
Release date: October 8, 2015
For more information:
Karen Segal
International Affairs Forum co-chair
(231) 715-6064
jsegal_kpuschel@yahoo.com
Dr. Dave Zehnder
Questscope board
(231) 526-2981
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-discriminationBond refinancing saves taxpayers $1.2 million
TRAVERSE CITY — Grand Traverse County taxpayers will save $1.2 million in interest over five years following a refinancing of $12.2 million in general obligation bonds earlier this month.
Bids were sought in December 2014. Standard and Poor’s awarded NMC its AA long-term rating, signifying the college’s “very strong capacity” to meet its obligations. Chemical Bank submitted the lowest interest rate of 1.38902 percent and was awarded the refinancing.
This is the third time NMC has refinanced bonds originally issued in 1999, when voters approved $34.7 million for capital and equipment projects, including construction of a new technology education building (Parsons-Stulen Building), and demolition and construction of the Great Lakes Campus. The first refinancing was in 2005 and the second in 2009. Collectively, taxpayers will save $3.2 million as the result of the three refinancings.
“This outcome is a result of NMC fulfilling its duty to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars,” said NMC President Timothy J. Nelson. “Both the actual interest savings and the very strong bond rating should give Grand Traverse County residents confidence in the college’s fiscal management going forward.”
Release date: January 26, 2015
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019