OptiMize Workshop

Representatives from the OptiMize program out of the University of Michigan will be on campus after the Transfer Fair Tuesday 3/15 to help students learn more about the opportunities it can offer, whether or not you wish to attend Univ. of Michigan.

If you could change something in the world, what would you change? OptiMize is a community of people helping students turn ideas into impact. Networking, social impact, entrepreneurship, transfer and funding are just some of the opportunities available through optiMize. For more information & examples of their work, visit their website here: optimizemi.org.

Join us in West Hall at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday to learn more!

Kudos!

Kudos to Cari Noga, Chris Hanna, Lindsey Dickinson, Betsy Boris, Brady Corcoran, Craig Hadley and Nick Nissley: ​​Thank you for participating in the making of NMC’s new employee recruiting video.

Kudos to Erika Cotner, Chris Hanna and Cari Noga for their excellent work collaborating on a new video for recruitment and employer branding for the college. The selection of speakers and writing aligns beautifully with NMC Next and really highlights the quality, uniqueness and diversity of our programs. The production quality demonstrates NMC’s commitment to excellence. Great collaboration and great result! Thank you!!

Kudos to the Career Fair Committee, the Hagerty Center staff and everyone that volunteered in bringing the NMC Career Fair back to the Hagerty Center face-to-face. It was obvious that students, staff and community partners were overjoyed to have an event in-person and it was not possible without the group effort in planning and implementing. Thank you for your willingness to go the extra mile and offer this event to our students and community! The production quality demonstrates NMC’s commitment to excellence. Great collaboration and great result! Thank you!!

Kudos to Katie Sommer-Ford, Lisa Baldyga and Hannah Witte: Katie Sommer-Ford and Lisa Baldyga partnered to organize and execute the 2022 NMC & NW Michigan Works! Career Fair. Hannah Witte designed the marketing pieces including flyers, tri-fold table displays, social media posts, and email graphics for the event. This was the first in-person fair since 2020. Last year Katie and Lisa organized a completely virtual fair. This year they again took the lead to gather internal and external partners, organize volunteers, develop a marketing plan, collaborate with 60 different employers, and produce a successful and engaging event. More than 80 students and community members participated and feedback from all participants was very positive.

Kudos to Steve Dix and Justin Guillard: They are on campus everyday working behind the scenes to keep us all up and running. They are often on the run themselves. Thank you for covering the bases for us. You are appreciated.

Kudos to Emily Crull for her help in hiring adjuncts in Health Occupations. Emily went above and beyond to help us go through the process of hiring adjuncts and we appreciate it very much. Thank you.


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!

Welcome Our Newest Hires

Welcome to NMC!

  • Rebecca Bredahl — Adjunct Nursing Instructor
  • Katheryn West — Adjunct Nursing Instructor
  • Seth Crompton — Aviation Line Crew

Theater of War’s ‘The Nurse Antigone’ Screening

Nurse Antigone illustrationIn collaboration with English and Health Occupations faculty members, NMC Library will host a screening of Theater of War’s upcoming production, ‘The Nurse Antigone‘ on Thursday, March 17, at 5–7 p.m. in West Hall 106/107.

We will watch the performance (it begins at 5 p.m.) and subsequent panel discussion, and also hold our own informal local conversation to follow for any who are interested.

Pizza will be provided.

Please share with any interested faculty, staff and students!

Transfer 101

Transfer 101 graphicDo you plan to transfer after NMC and don’t know where to start?

Stop by this workshop in West Hall 104 on Wednesday, March 16 at 12:30 p.m. with our advising partners from the University Center. They’ll be going over important details for transferring to a four-year college after NMC.

It’s also a great way to learn more about what is offered here in Traverse City!

Voter Registration Drive

Vote buttonThe League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area (LWVGTA) will offer voter registration on campus Wednesday, March 16 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the West Hall Innovation Center lobby. NMC students, employees and the community are welcome.

Self Care Event

Self care event graphicInterested in journaling but don’t know where to begin?

Join us in West Hall on Thursday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where you can grab a free journal and information on how to journal!

 

 

Success Story: Students awarded $1.33 million; new diversity scholarship available

March 9, 2022

When Hailey Greimel graduates from NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute this May, not only will she transfer to the Ivy League of culinary schools, she’ll do so without debt, thanks to NMC scholarships.

Hailey Greimel(download a high-resolution version here) Greimel, 20 (right and below), is among 1,198 students to share in this year’s record-breaking scholarship awards. So far in 2021–22, NMC has awarded $1.33 million in scholarships with some funds still available.

“We still have funds to award for summer and may hit $1.4 million,” said Linda Berlin, director of financial aid.

The average 2021–22 scholarship award to date is $1,109. Greimel, a dean’s list student and 2020 graduate of Petoskey High School, said scholarships combined with GLCI’s high-caliber programming made NMC an easy choice for pursuing both her baking certificate and associate degree in culinary sales.

“(Scholarships) sweetened the deal,” she said. “Because of the great opportunities offered here, I was able to get a great scholarship to Johnson & Wales.” The Providence, R.I.-based university, considered the Ivy League of culinary programs, offered Greimel a full scholarship.

Hailey Greimel (download a high-resolution
version here
)
Criteria for NMC’s many scholarships include a wide range of factors, from program of study to residency to financial need, academic merit and extracurricular pursuits. One of the newest scholarships, created by longtime NMC supporter Ann Rogers, provides financial assistance to students active in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work at the college through involvement in committees or clubs, and are specifically involved in supporting underrepresented groups.

The Rogers Diversity Scholarship, a $1,000 annual award, aligns with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategic area of NMC’s recently adopted strategic plan, NMC Next. Rogers, who is a donor to three other scholarships supporting environmental science, science and astronomy, hopes establishing the scholarship will encourage others to join her in support of diversity at NMC. ( Donate here.)

Ann Rogers“It’s especially critical in these times,” said Rogers (right). “The college itself needs to be very welcoming and supportive.”

The Rogers Diversity Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the 2022–23 academic year.

The previous scholarship record was achieved in the 2019–20 academic year, when NMC awarded $1.28 million in scholarships to 964 recipients. Last year the college awarded $1.17 million to 1,259 recipients. NMC is also a leader in scholarship applications, with 41 percent of NMC students completing the scholarship application last year and 30 percent of enrolled students receiving at least one scholarship. The most recent National Postsecondary Student Aid Study states that only 6% of public 2‐year college students receive institutional aid.

Big Little Hero Race registration now open

TRAVERSE CITY — The seventh annual Big Little Hero Race returns Saturday, April 23 to Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus with a theme of mentorship matters. An experiential learning project by students in a Professional Communications class, each donation for this event up to $5,000 will be matched by a local sponsor and benefit College for Kids Scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Every year the Big Little Hero Race team chooses a local hero to lead the fun run and recognize during the award ceremony. This year’s race will honor Great Lakes Potato Chip owner Chris Girrbach, who is three races into a mission to complete a triathlon in every state to raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Lakes also will produce special edition packages of potato chips for the race.

“I wanted to do my part to help Bigs the best way I know how. Some kids get the short end of the stick, and Bigs makes a world of difference to those kids, so it’s the least I can do,” Girrbach said.

All races begin and finish near the West Hall Innovation building on NMC’s main campus. This event includes:

  • 1 mile fun run/walk: Free to participate & free cape for kids
  • 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
  • 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
  • Virtual: $15 for all

Food, an inflatable obstacle course, live music by Drew Hale and an awards ceremony follow the race. Medals will be presented for:

  • Top three male/female finishers for both 5K and 10K
  • Best costume for male, female, child, group, and dog

The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register before March 20 for early bird prices, and by April 3 to guarantee a free t-shirt.

To register, donate or for more information please visit biglittleherorace.com

Release date: March 9, 2022

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Angelika Diehl
Student media contact
(231) 360-4870
diehla@mail.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

Big Little Hero Race registration now open

TRAVERSE CITY — The seventh annual Big Little Hero Race returns Saturday, April 23 to Northwestern Michigan College’s main campus with a theme of mentorship matters. An experiential learning project by students in a Professional Communications class, each donation for this event up to $5,000 will be matched by a local sponsor and benefit College for Kids Scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Every year the Big Little Hero Race team chooses a local hero to lead the fun run and recognize during the award ceremony. This year’s race will honor Great Lakes Potato Chip owner Chris Girrbach, who is three races into a mission to complete a triathlon in every state to raise awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Lakes also will produce special edition packages of potato chips for the race.

“I wanted to do my part to help Bigs the best way I know how. Some kids get the short end of the stick, and Bigs makes a world of difference to those kids, so it’s the least I can do,” Girrbach said.

All races begin and finish near the West Hall Innovation building on NMC’s main campus. This event includes:

  • 1 mile fun run/walk: Free to participate & free cape for kids
  • 5K run/walk: $20 for students, $25 for adults
  • 10K run: $25 for students, $30 for adults
  • Virtual: $15 for all

Food, an inflatable obstacle course, live music by Drew Hale and an awards ceremony follow the race. Medals will be presented for:

  • Top three male/female finishers for both 5K and 10K
  • Best costume for male, female, child, group, and dog

The costume-encouraged Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and is followed by the 5K and 10K which simultaneously start at 9:30 a.m. Register before March 20 for early bird prices, and by April 3 to guarantee a free t-shirt.

To register, donate or for more information please visit biglittleherorace.com

Release date: March 9, 2022

For more information:

Kristy McDonald
NMC Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059

Angelika Diehl
Student media contact
(231) 360-4870
diehla@mail.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

Join the Rotaract Club!

Rotaract club flyerJoin the local Rotaract Club chapter!

We are a group of student and community leaders developing professional skills through service projects. Current projects include a book drive for children’s books to schools in Uganda and Guatemala, mentoring 5th graders at Blair Elementary, and environmentally sustainable initiatives like Earth Day at NMC.

Upcoming meetings are March 9 & 23 and April 13 & 27 at 5:30 p.m. in West Hall 104.

Get involved and make a difference at NMC, in Traverse City, and the world!

NMC Bookstore: Spring Break closure, Spring rental due date & Summer textbooks

The bookstore will be closed March 28–April 1 for Spring Break. We will reopen Monday, April 4.

Spring rentals are due back to the bookstore by Tuesday, May 10.

Summer textbooks will be available online and at the bookstore Monday, April 4. Stop by the store or check them out online at bookstore.nmc.edu. Looking to use financial aid for your books? Summer financial aid will be available April 25–June 28.

March is Disability Awareness Month

Originally established in 1987, Disability Awareness Month gives us a reason to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of our friends and neighbors who are part of the disabled community.

Our own NMC librarians have curated a list of books and movies available to anyone wishing to learn more.

Stop by the display case located in the main entrance of Osterlin for additional book recommendations and more!

Travel on a Budget Workshop

Travel Workshop illustrationThinking about traveling for Spring Break and want some tips for a budget friendly adventure?

Get expert tips from world traveler Success Coach Marina on Tuesday, March 15 from 3–4 p.m. in West Hall Rm. 123 and leave with a plan and snacks for your journey!

Media Mentions for March 7, 2022

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.

The Little College That Could: NMC Is The Key To Growing Our Local Talent Pipeline
Traverse City Business News, March 2022 Issue (more…)

IAF event to address populism, Germany’s new perspective and Russia’s war in Ukraine

IAF logoOn Thursday, March 17, at 6 p.m. the International Affairs Forum engages with Jeff Rathke, president of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss German and European reactions to the war in Ukraine, the rise of populism, and Germany’s new role.

Jeff RathkeRathke (left) served 24 years as a Foreign Service officer, dedicated primarily to U.S. relations with Europe. He was deputy chief of staff to the NATO Secretary General in Brussels. In Washington, he was deputy director of the Office of European Security and Political Affairs. He was a Weinberg Fellow at Princeton University. He also served at U.S. embassies in Dublin, Moscow and Riga, which he helped open after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Join IAF on March 17 for a robust discussion moderated by John Zachman, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science at Northwestern Michigan College. The virtual event will include public Q & A.

This program is free to current students and educators. There’s a $10 suggested donation for the general public.

Register here for this virtual event: tciaf.com/event-3-17-2022

COVID-19 post published in error

Good morning — A November 2020 post about COVID-19 restrictions was inadvertently republished this morning. It has been removed. We apologize for the error.

Holi Celebration!

Holi celebration illustrationWe are so excited to be celebrating Holi on campus this year!

We will start the day Wednesday, March 16 with a 1 p.m. Lunch & Learn where Sarah Montgomery-Richards will give a brief history and overview of the Hindu festival celebrating the start of spring while we enjoy some Indian food for lunch. Then at 1:30 p.m. we will move our celebration outside with the traditional color throwing! We will listen to Bollywood music, throw colors, and enjoy some time together as a community!

Join us for the whole event or stop in whenever you can! We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

If you are participating in color throwing, please make sure you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!