Aug 4, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College student Alexandra Swainston is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2020 Coca-Cola Military Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The honorees are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential by a panel of independent judges from nearly 700 applicants, nationwide.
The Leaders of Promise Scholarship, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, awards 200 scholarships annually – 25 of which are earmarked for Society members who are active personnel or veterans of the U.S. Military. The program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.
“Alex has impressed me on so many levels including academic performance, leadership, service and her amazing resilience and grit. Most of all, I appreciate her positive spirit and ‘all in’ engagement with our college and community,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “This is a wonderful, and well deserved recognition of her academic achievement and leadership.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
Release date: August 4, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
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-discrimination
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
Thank you to all who joined us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our 2020 graduates at last week’s Drive-Thru Celebration!
And a big thank you to our Student Success Center, Student Life Office, NMC Bookstore, Records and Registration Office, and NMC Foundation for organizing the festivities.
Check out a photo gallery of the 2020 graduates and their friends and family members who came out for the celebration here.
Aug 3, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to donors and volunteers for stepping up to support NMC students and our entire campus. Donors made more than 1,300 gifts this spring to support students and programs in need — the second highest donor number ever recorded at the NMC Foundation. This support allowed the Foundation Board to pledge an additional $1 million to the college during this challenging year.
Thank you, also, to the volunteers of the Scholarship Open Committee, who reworked the event to accommodate current health guidelines. The 2020 Scholarship Open, in memory of Jim Beckett, will be held this Thursday, Aug. 6 with more than 200 participants and is one of the college’s most important fundraising events, raising over $100,000. You can still register to golf or support the Scholarship Open today at nmc.edu/golf.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Advising Center is offering virtual “drop-in” advising to help with Fall registration.
Drop in to our open Zoom advising sessions:
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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 Osterlin Library.
A 65-year tradition ends for NMC
Record-Eagle, July 31
Record-Eagle, July 30
The Ticker, July 30
9&10 News, July 30 (more…)
Aug 3, 2020 | Intercom
At a July meeting of the Michigan Community College Association’s Board of Trustees, NMC Board of Trustees Chair Chris M. Bott was elected as Chair of the Trustees Committee for the statewide organization, further highlighting NMC’s leadership in the community and throughout Michigan.
Congratulations and thank you, Chris!
Jul 30, 2020 | Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Good morning NMC students,
We have some important news to share with you about one of our college’s oldest traditions. After 65 years and nearly $2 million of projects funded, Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson Foundation have made the decision that 2020 will be the final year of the NMC BBQ event. Despite the change, the Oleson Foundation remains dedicated to supporting our students and the College will continue the strong community connection established through the event’s proud history.
Throughout the decades, many of you have grown up with the tradition and volunteered your time, in all kinds of weather (including snow, occasionally) to make the BBQ a success. For years, it served as an “open house” where we could invite our neighbors, friends and family to come to our college and see the amazing people, programs and places that make us so proud. Thank you for being part of that! It is because of you that the connection to our community, and the support of our College and students remains strong today.
“We’ve come a long way in 65 years since the Oleson family and the community first joined together to help build our community’s college. We have accomplished much and our college and region have grown and changed considerably over the years,” said Brad Oleson, NMC BBQ committee member. “As we reflect on that success, we feel now is a great opportunity to look toward the future for new ways to support the college as our students’ needs, and our community, continue to grow and change. We celebrate what we have done together and are excited to extend that path into the future to benefit our students, our college and our community for years to come.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Oleson family’s commitment to Northwestern Michigan College. Our college might not be here today if it wasn’t for their vision and dedication,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “The Olesons and the BBQ not only rallied support and resources over the years, but allowed us to open our campus to the community to celebrate all that we’ve done together for our students. I am confident we will continue the spirit of the BBQ and Oleson family for many years to come and I look forward to it.”
While the traditional BBQ event will not be returning, the College would like to host a celebration for volunteers, supporters and community members when it is safe to do so in the future.
Since the BBQ first began, there are now a wide variety of ways for the community to learn about, engage with and support the college including through the NMC Foundation, advisory boards, volunteer positions and more.
The Oleson Foundation has pledged to continue their support for the college and its students, just as they have for nearly thirty years. Most recently the Oleson Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to NMC’s new West Hall Innovation Center. Marty Oleson will also continue to serve on the NMC Foundation Board.
The NMC BBQ Committee established an endowed scholarship in 2015 that will provide scholarship support in perpetuity for local students with financial need.
We look forward to developing new ways to strengthen the ties between our community and college to support our students, and look forward to celebrating with you along the way.
Thank you,
Diana Fairbanks
Release date: July 30, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (m)
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
Jul 30, 2020 | Intercom
TRAVERSE CITY — After 65 years and nearly $2 million of projects funded, Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson Foundation have made the decision that 2020 will be the final year of the NMC BBQ event. The College and the Oleson Foundation remain dedicated to supporting students and continuing the community connection established through the event’s proud history.
“We’ve come a long way in 65 years since the Oleson family and the community first joined together to help build our community’s college. We have accomplished much and our college and region have grown and changed considerably over the years,” said Brad Oleson, NMC BBQ committee member. “As we reflect on that success, we feel now is a great opportunity to look toward the future for new ways to support the college as our students’ needs, and our community, continue to grow and change. We celebrate what we have done together and are excited to extend that path into the future to benefit our students, our college and our community for years to come.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Oleson family’s commitment to Northwestern Michigan College. Our college might not be here today if it wasn’t for their vision and dedication,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “The Olesons and the BBQ not only rallied support and resources over the years, but allowed us to open our campus to the community to celebrate all that we’ve done together for our students. I am confident we will continue the spirit of the BBQ and Oleson family for many years to come and I look forward to it.”
While the traditional BBQ event will not be returning, the College would like to host a celebration for volunteers, supporters and community members when it is safe to do so in the future.
Since the BBQ first began, there are now a wide variety of ways for the community to learn about, engage with and support the college including through the NMC Foundation, advisory boards, volunteer positions and more.
The Oleson Foundation has pledged to continue their support for the college and its students, just as they have for nearly thirty years. Most recently the Oleson Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to NMC’s new Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Marty Oleson will also continue to serve on the NMC Foundation Board.
The NMC BBQ Committee established an endowed scholarship in 2015 that will provide scholarship support in perpetuity for local students with financial need.
The last in-person NMC BBQ was Sunday, May 19, 2019. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a virtual NMC BBQ was held in 2020. For more information on the history of the event, images from the archives and list of funded projects, please visit nmc.edu/BBQ.
Release date: July 30, 2020
For more information:
Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communication
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 392-6082 (m)
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
Jul 30, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom
Good afternoon NMC community,
We have some important news to share with you about one of our college’s oldest traditions. After 65 years and nearly $2 million of projects funded, Northwestern Michigan College and the Oleson Foundation have made the decision that 2020 will be the final year of the NMC BBQ event. Despite the change, the Oleson Foundation remains dedicated to supporting our students and the College will continue the strong community connection established through the event’s proud history.
Throughout the decades, many of you have given countless hours of your time, in all kinds of weather (including snow, occasionally) to make the BBQ a success. For years, it served as an “open house” where we could invite our neighbors, friends and family to come to our college and see the amazing people, programs and places that make us all so proud. Thank you for that work. It is because of you that the connection to our community, and the support of our College and students remains strong today.
“We’ve come a long way in 65 years since the Oleson family and the community first joined together to help build our community’s college. We have accomplished much and our college and region have grown and changed considerably over the years,” said Brad Oleson, NMC BBQ committee member. “As we reflect on that success, we feel now is a great opportunity to look toward the future for new ways to support the college as our students’ needs, and our community, continue to grow and change. We celebrate what we have done together and are excited to extend that path into the future to benefit our students, our college and our community for years to come.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Oleson family’s commitment to Northwestern Michigan College. Our college might not be here today if it wasn’t for their vision and dedication,” said Dr. Nick Nissley, president of NMC. “The Olesons and the BBQ not only rallied support and resources over the years, but allowed us to open our campus to the community to celebrate all that we’ve done together for our students. I am confident we will continue the spirit of the BBQ and Oleson family for many years to come and I look forward to it.”
While the traditional BBQ event will not be returning, the College would like to host a celebration for volunteers, supporters and community members when it is safe to do so in the future.
Since the BBQ first began, there are now a wide variety of ways for the community to learn about, engage with and support the college including through the NMC Foundation, advisory boards, volunteer positions and more.
The Oleson Foundation has pledged to continue their support for the college and its students, just as they have for nearly thirty years. Most recently the Oleson Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to NMC’s new West Hall Innovation Center. Marty Oleson will also continue to serve on the NMC Foundation Board.
The NMC BBQ Committee established an endowed scholarship in 2015 that will provide scholarship support in perpetuity for local students with financial need.
Since the BBQ began, you have developed new ways to connect with our community and to support our students and we are excited to continue that important work together as a college and celebrate with you along the way.
With sincere gratitude,
Diana Fairbanks
Jul 29, 2020 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s main campus will be used as a city polling place for Precinct 9 voters again this year, including on Tuesday, August 4. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
Masks will be provided for people who don’t have them but would like one, sneeze guards will be in place within the polling place where voters and election workers most interact, items will be sanitized and social distancing signs will be in place.
The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, August 5.
Jul 27, 2020 | Intercom, Student News
New and returning NMC students will be welcomed back to campus Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Wednesday, Aug. 26 with a series of free socially distanced and virtual events. Students will be moving into East and North Halls Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23. Learn more and see the schedule events here.
Jul 27, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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 Osterlin Library.
NMC Innovation Center has soft opening
Record-Eagle, July 22 (more…)
Jul 27, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to Residence Life staff Lisa Eiden, Amari McGee, Charles (CJ) Schneider and paraprofessional (student) staff Keith Kasper, Kishion Bragg and Monte White, who have been working with Associate Dean of Campus and Residence Life Marcus Bennett to help the dozens of students and interns who have called NMC home since early May. Staff has worked to ensure their stay in the residence halls has been an enjoyable one, and are working on plans to ensure that Fall 2020 is a success as well.
East Hall and North Hall are slated to be home to more than 100 students each in Fall 2020, as new and returning NMC students are welcomed back to campus Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Wednesday, Aug. 26 with a series of free socially distanced and virtual events.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 24, 2020 | Student News
The July 28 payment due date for fall is fast approaching.
Do you need to make payment in person? You can access a drop box by entering the Health & Science Building by the NMC Bookstore (#7 on the Main Campus Map).
Student Financial Services is also available to assist with questions by calling (231) 995-1035.
Jul 24, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Honoree’s Name: Melissa Sprenkle
Honoree’s Dept./Division: English
Reason for Kudos: Melissa showcased her passion for teaching excellence at the BOT meeting this week! Her students are not only engaged and learning about English but also important social issues in our community and world. Your presentation was inspiring and NMC is lucky to have such a passionate, creative, and thoughtful faculty member! Thank you for taking the time to share!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
Jul 20, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thank you to all of the NMC employees who have worked hard to retool and reopen their programs so students can keep learning while working to keep them safe, including those in Aviation, Culinary, Dental, Maritime, Police Academy and at the Dennos Museum Center.
As one example, Culinary Director Les Eckert noted that Patty Cron-Huhta and Mike Skarupinski set up new COVID-19 safety protocols for the baking lab and dining room for Cafe Lobdell’s. Program staff also worked with Facilities to ensure all sanitizing supplies are available for cleaning during and after Cafe Lobdell’s operating hours. The moves enabled Cafe Operations students to make up a spring lab class and to ensure a timely end of summer graduation.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 20, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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 Osterlin Library.
Great Lakes Maritime cadet tests positive for COVID-19 in self-quarantine
UpNorthLive, July 16
The Ticker, July 16
9&10 News, July 15 (more…)
Jul 17, 2020 | Intercom
Good afternoon everyone,
The Student Success Center, Student Life Office, NMC Bookstore, Records and Registration Office and Foundation Office are collaborating on a small-scale event for our 2020 grads, as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their achievements. While NMC will soon be making an official announcement on a future Commencement ceremony for our 2020 graduates, we wanted to celebrate our 2020 Grads before the end of the summer with a Drive-thru Celebration!
We are inviting Class of 2020 graduates to make an appointment (15 minute time slot) to come to campus on either July 30 or July 31 between 2 and 7 p.m. They can sign up for a time slot here.
While on campus, graduates will receive some NMC swag, and can also purchase a cap and tassel if they choose. There will be a photo opportunity as well; Hawk Owl wings will be on site to create a memorable photo, along with a photo opportunity in front of the NMC sign (the bookstore will also be open for other purchases, too).
Information has been sent to all graduates via email and mail. You can find an overview of what they received here.
Here’s where you come in: faculty & staff are welcome to come and celebrate at this event. Social distancing & safety protocols will be practiced, so please bring your mask. We will be spaced six feet apart along the Drive-thru route in the Cedar parking lot to cheer on our grads as they drive by. Wear your NMC gear, bring pom-poms, cow bells or other instruments of celebration to aid in the festivities! Show up anytime between 2 and 7pm on July 30 and 31, and stay for as long as you’d like. Know a grad that you’d like to be there to help celebrate? Direct them to the link to get signed up!
Please park in Aspen, Birch Lot or Cherry lot to walk over; we’ll be holding the Drive-thru in Cedar Lot. Please check in at the parking lot side of the power station when you arrive. (in case of rain, please check in by the bookstore in the lobby of Health Science for further information on staging.)
Please let us know if you have any questions!
The 2020 Drive-thru Celebration Team
Lisa Thomas, Amanda Van Oordt and Sally Smarsty
Jul 17, 2020 | Student News
It’s time to secure your fall classes!
Payment for fall classes is due Tuesday, July 28.
Online: nmc.edu/selfservice, under Student Billing
- Electronic Check from checking or savings account at no cost
- Debit card payment at no cost to you
- Credit card payment: American Express, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover (including JCB, Diners Pay and China Union Network). A 2.75% convenience fee applies to all credit card payments for charges related to academic credit courses
- Authorize someone else to make a payment
- Enroll in direct deposit for refunds
- Enroll in a deferred payment plan
- Make a housing or aviation deposit under Deposits
- Go to Financial Aid menu to check your financial aid
In person: If you need to pay in person, please call (231) 995-1035 before July 28 to make an appointment.
By mail: Please note your NMC ID on your check.
NMC Student Financial Services
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Explore payment options: nmc.edu/cashier
Questions? (231) 995-1035 or sfs@nmc.edu
Helpful tips:
- Check your NMC email and Self-Service often
- Respond to any requests for information
- Drop before 100% Refund Date (on your schedule) if you don’t plan to attend
- Financial Aid information: nmc.edu/financial-aid
Fall session begins August 22. Register today!
Jul 17, 2020 | Student News
Congratulations to members of the Class of 2020 on on achieving your goal as an NMC graduate! We want to help you celebrate with our 2020 Drive-thru Celebration. (Check your NMC email for a version of this announcement with additional details.)
We invite you to make an appointment to come to campus on July 30 or July 31 between 2 and 7 p.m. for the celebration. You can sign up for a time slot here.
During this time, you will be able to purchase a cap & tassel, pick up a little NMC swag (welcome NMC Alumni!), and take pictures to celebrate your accomplishment. Wear your honors cords, decorate your cap, and wear whatever you’d like to celebrate your graduation.
We will have our Hawk Owl wings on site to create a memorable shot! NMC will have a professional photographer and will provide you one picture for download free of charge.
We ask that all graduates (and those joining you in your celebration) wear a face covering to campus. Social distancing & safety protocols will be practiced (we will be unable to take pictures with personal devices).
The college is still planning an official commencement ceremony and will release official plans in the near future. Please stay tuned for additional information.
Congratulations on your success!
The 2020 Drive-thru Celebration Team
Jul 13, 2020 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to Janet Lively, Scott Powell, Tricia Lincoln, and Sarah Montgomery-Richards, who have been a huge help assisting the Educational Technologies team in delivering the teachingSOLUTIONS virtual boot camp program for teaching online and hybrid courses this summer, due to high demand.
In mid-May the team facilitated the first boot camp since the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, with over 80 faculty starting the program and many finishing since then. Another virtual boot camp is being offered the week of July 20. To sign up or to ask questions that haven’t been answered here, please reach out to Mark DeLonge (mdelonge@nmc.edu) or Ryan Bernstein (rbernstein@nmc.edu).
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jul 13, 2020 | Intercom
To help deliver consistent messaging supporting NMC’s Keep Safe reopening plan, the college has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 safety signage plan. This includes table tents, wall decals, window decals, elevator decals, floor decals, monitor slides, yard signs, plexiglass inserts, and more. Facilities will be placing these materials throughout our campuses. There are also printable safety messages available in our toolkit for you to use as needed.
Download the printable safety messages here.
If you need additional signage for your area, please contact PRMC at
publicrelations@nmc.edu before ordering any safety signage independently.
For ongoing information relating to NMC’s COVID-19 health and safety requirements, protocols, and updates, please visit
nmc.edu/keep-safe.
Jul 13, 2020 | Intercom, Media Mentions
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media in the past two weeks. 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 Osterlin Library.
Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares to set sail on graduate voyage
UpNorthLive, July 7 (more…)
Jul 10, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Jul 10, 2020 | HR Corner, Intercom
Honoree’s Name: Mac Beeker
Honoree’s Dept./Division: Nursing
Reason for Kudos: Mac gave an inspiring presentation to the Board of Trustees at Monday night’s Board of Trustees meeting. It was an awesome story of the long-time relationship between Munson and NMC. In Mac’s own words, “I’d be hard-pressed to offer a better example of a symbiotic relationship between a healthcare system and a community college.” Lots to be proud of…
I have the task of lining up the presentations for the meeting and delivering the intro. materials. We had a change in a scheduled presenter, and I went to Mac and asked him to change to this month’s meeting — with no hesitation he said of course! He was professional, prompt, showed deep commitment, and excellence!
Thank you, Mac, for sharing about our nursing program, your department’s awesome work and for reminding us about all the heroes you/ NMC has trained that are working hard every day to provide quality care to our community and beyond!
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. During our “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
