Jun 22, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
Good afternoon NMC community,
I am pleased to announce Jennifer Hricik, currently the NMC Foundation’s Major Gifts Officer, will serve as Interim Associate Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the Foundation for the next year.
Jennifer will help lead the Foundation through its strategic planning process that officially launched this month. Upon its anticipated completion in December 2022, we will launch a national search for the permanent position.
Jennifer is a values-grounded servant leader, committed to the NMC mission – delivering lifelong learning opportunities to transform students’ lives and enrich our community. Since she began with the Foundation in 2016 she has worked to connect donors to opportunities at NMC, allowing them to significantly impact students and our community. She was a key contributor to the success of the “Be What’s Possible” Campaign, helping raise more than $40 million.
Jennifer’s passion for learning pre-dates NMC. Her higher education-focused career includes work in the areas of: enrollment, strategic planning, marketing, branding, and development. She has worked as an associate director of college admissions, gaining valuable student-facing experience and deep understanding of student needs. Additionally, she has worked as a consultant and director of client services for an education-focused consulting firm, gaining valuable collaboration and project management skills, serving a broad range of higher education institutions.
Even if you have not had the opportunity to work directly with Jennifer, you likely know her through her infectious positivity and collaborative relationships across our campus and community. Please join me in welcoming Jennifer to her new role.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Jun 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni award:
Download a high-resolution photo of
Richard Gray here Richard Gray, GLMA 2013 (awarded posthumously): Following his graduation, Gray continued his relationship with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy as a mentor and adjunct faculty member, in addition to his rising career. Devoted to his growing family of three young children with a fourth expected this fall, Gray’s life was cut tragically short in a shipboard accident in early 2022. The many nominations he received represent the positive influence he demonstrated to so many. One nominator wrote, “He always had a positive attitude and was willing to teach anyone anything if they asked….Richard was the best of the best.”
Download a high-resolution photo of
Dr. Annie Kritcher here Andrea (Annie) Kritcher, 2001–2003: A Traverse City native, Kritcher studied engineering at NMC, going on to complete her B.S. in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and an M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of California-Berkeley. She has been with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2012. Currently, she is a physicist and the design lead within the Inertial Confinement Fusion team, as part of the National Ignition Facility. She has served as lead researcher on several projects and has published over 35 reviewed scientific papers in journals such as Nature and Science.
Download a high-resolution photo of
Bob Sutherland here Bob Sutherland, 1982–1983: As the visionary owner of Cherry Republic, Sutherland launched the business in 1989 selling t-shirts sporting the motto “Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie” out of the trunk of his car. Cherry Republic has flagship destinations in Glen Arbor and Traverse City, satellite stores, and a nationwide website and catalog business. With a commitment to clean energy, farmland preservation, outdoor recreation, and youth development, Sutherland designates a portion of sales to charity each year. One nominator wrote, “one of the best examples I know of a company with multiple bottom lines that gives back to the community on many levels. It’s a model for many to follow, but few can match.”
Since 1988, Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award has recognized graduates and past students for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Recognition is based on the achievements of the nominee and positive perspective as to the role that NMC played in their lives. Visit nmc.edu/alumni for more information and a nomination form. Nominations received by March 1, 2023 will be considered for 2023 recognition.
Release date: June 22, 2022
For more information:
NMC Alumni Relations
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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
Jun 22, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is proud to announce the 2022 recipients of the college’s Outstanding Alumni award:
Download a high-resolution photo of
Richard Gray here Richard Gray, GLMA 2013 (awarded posthumously): Following his graduation, Gray continued his relationship with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy as a mentor and adjunct faculty member, in addition to his rising career. Devoted to his growing family of three young children with a fourth expected this fall, Gray’s life was cut tragically short in a shipboard accident in early 2022. The many nominations he received represent the positive influence he demonstrated to so many. One nominator wrote, “He always had a positive attitude and was willing to teach anyone anything if they asked….Richard was the best of the best.”
Download a high-resolution photo of
Dr. Annie Kritcher here Andrea (Annie) Kritcher, 2001–2003: A Traverse City native, Kritcher studied engineering at NMC, going on to complete her B.S. in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan and an M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of California-Berkeley. She has been with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2012. Currently, she is a physicist and the design lead within the Inertial Confinement Fusion team, as part of the National Ignition Facility. She has served as lead researcher on several projects and has published over 35 reviewed scientific papers in journals such as Nature and Science.
Download a high-resolution photo of
Bob Sutherland here Bob Sutherland, 1982–1983: As the visionary owner of Cherry Republic, Sutherland launched the business in 1989 selling t-shirts sporting the motto “Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie” out of the trunk of his car. Cherry Republic has flagship destinations in Glen Arbor and Traverse City, satellite stores, and a nationwide website and catalog business. With a commitment to clean energy, farmland preservation, outdoor recreation, and youth development, Sutherland designates a portion of sales to charity each year. One nominator wrote, “one of the best examples I know of a company with multiple bottom lines that gives back to the community on many levels. It’s a model for many to follow, but few can match.”
Since 1988, Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award has recognized graduates and past students for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Recognition is based on the achievements of the nominee and positive perspective as to the role that NMC played in their lives. Visit nmc.edu/alumni for more information and a nomination form. Nominations received by March 1, 2023 will be considered for 2023 recognition.
Release date: June 22, 2022
For more information:
NMC Alumni Relations
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
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
Jun 20, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events
Join students from Northwestern Michigan College and Universidad de La Salle (Bogotá, Colombia) this Friday, June 24 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (Room 106) as they share perspectives gleaned as part of the Bridging Waterways Across the Americas educational exchange program.
This program has paired students and faculty from the two universities for a semester-long virtual course culminating in a bidirectional international exchange trip that sent an NMC cohort to Bogotá and brought a La Salle cohort to Traverse City for twelve days each.
The focus of the program has been to engage students and faculty in the sharing of knowledge and culture toward a deeper mutual understanding of both the Rio Teusacá and Boardman River watersheds. On Friday they will share reflections on their experiences, as well as a special puppet show they created as a tool for community environmental education intended to inspire stewardship of fresh water resources.
Hope to see you there!
Jun 20, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes are the staff members of Extended Educational Services for coordinating the annual College for Kids program and engaging young learners during the summer months. Class topics include science, technology, robotics, creative arts, performing arts, writing, outdoor adventure and more.
Classes kicked off this week and run weekly through mid-August. View the youth catalog to see the complete list of classes offered this summer.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 20, 2022 | Intercom
The PRMC team received a farewell message that Meg Young wanted us to share with the NMC Community:
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended last week’s farewell festivities at the Grand Traverse Commons—it was an absolute gift having so many amazing people, from every facet of my NMC journey, under one roof!
Many thanks, too, for all of the thoughtful messages, support and well wishes!
NMC will always have a special place in my heart and I will continue to be a champion and proud supporter.
My continued best and have a wonderful summer!
Meg Young
Jun 20, 2022 | DEI Insights and Conversations, Intercom
A recent Ulliance article discusses that many LGBTQ people still do not feel comfortable being their ‘true self’ at work, despite the progress that has been made for broad public support for LGBTQ equality. Read the article here.
Please fill out this DEI Intercom Post Feedback Form to be part of our conversation and offer feedback or suggestions on what is being shared.
Jun 20, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
(more…)
Jun 20, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to April Kesler, Janet Lively and Sarah Montgomery-Richards for helping to run a session at the ETOM (Educational Technology Organization of Michigan) Spring Conference and Retreat on Friday, June 10th. Each instructor took time out of their busy summer schedules to share their ideas about “Engaging Online Learners” with colleagues from around the state. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Kudos to the grounds crew of Bob Bugai, Bill Long and Reece Sivek who unloaded the semi containing the crates and boxes for our summer exhibition Environmental Impact. While we requested their assistance in advance, facilities employees are always there for us at a moment’s notice, and for all those that we have forgotten to give kudos to over the years, we appreciate each and every one of 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!
Jun 20, 2022 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Juneteenth celebrated in northern Michigan
UpNorthLive, June 20
(more…)
Jun 13, 2022 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
20Fathoms, Michigan Tech partner to advance tech entrepreneurship
Record-Eagle, June 12
(more…)
Jun 10, 2022 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Cathy Brown for repurposing furniture for us. I needed an instructor’s chair that was a higher chair than standard. She found one nearby and brought it over to my classroom. No lead time, no waiting and no cost.
Kudos to Erika Cotner, Brittany Hanbury & Emily Crull: As of May 31, year-to-date hires for NMC, including regular staff & faculty, supplemental employees, adjunct instructors and students, was 60. A more typical year (2021, for example) is 35. Kudos to Erika, Brittany (and Emily Crull, who has since moved to PRMC but also played a part in this accomplishment) for keeping high service levels while nearly doubling volume. We all appreciate all your hard work through these challenging times!
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!
Jun 10, 2022 | Intercom, Tech Bytes
Google Appointment Schedules are the NEW replacement for Google Appointment Slots. With lots of new features and settings, these will help you organize your office hours, drop-in meetings, and more! Watch this short tutorial to learn how to use this feature.
Jun 10, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at this year’s return of the annual Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus.
Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 750 rainbow trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear. Experienced volunteers will help with baiting hooks and fishing instruction, and clean the fish.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration. Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31.
Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
Release date: June 10, 2022
For more information:
Chris DeGood
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601 (mobile)
(231) 933-8400 (office)
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
Jun 10, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helper and Heroes are the organizers of the Juneteenth Celebration which will be held at the NMC Campus in the courtyard area between East Hall and the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on Sunday, June 19 from 1–5 p.m.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, originating in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Last year, Congress designated it as a federal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 10, 2022 | Intercom
Watch the video here of the June 6 Town Hall meeting where NMC President Nick Nissley and Vice President of Finance & Administration Troy Kierczynski discussed the FY23 Budget.
Jun 9, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 250 young anglers and their families are expected at this year’s return of the annual Kids Free Fishing Day, set from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus.
Kids accompanied by an adult are invited to join in the free fishing fun. Under the supervision of the Department of Natural Resources, 750 rainbow trout 10 inches or longer will be stocked in the campus harbor for the event. Fishing rods, reels and bait are all provided. Children may also bring their own fishing gear. Experienced volunteers will help with baiting hooks and fishing instruction, and clean the fish.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum will host a free fish painting activity for kids waiting to fish. There will also be a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration. Parking is available at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, located just east of the Delamar Hotel on U.S. 31.
Free Fishing Day is sponsored by Traverse City Rotary Clubs, Rotary Camps & Services, NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
Release date: June 10, 2022
For more information:
Chris DeGood
cdegood@bria2.com
(231) 420-5601 (mobile)
(231) 933-8400 (office)
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
Jun 9, 2022 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student Events
When and how could Russia’s war in Ukraine come to an end? Who will suffer most from forecasted food shortages? How has Western solidarity for Ukraine magnified the relative lack of support for populations in other conflict zones (read: Syria, Somalia, Yemen, et al.)? How is the U.S. – China rivalry evolving?
To close the 2021—2022 season, the International Affairs Forum will host its third annual Foreign Policy Mashup on Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium. The event will be an in-person panel discussion featuring Bill Clifford, President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America, on stage with local panelists Karen Puschel Segal and Stanley Otto, both former State Department diplomats.
This is IAF’s first speaker event at Milliken with an in-town, in-the-flesh speaker since March 2020. The event includes a public Q&A session and is also available to livestream. Join the discussion.
(more…)
Jun 9, 2022 | Intercom, President Updates
Good morning NMC community,
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to share that we will soon be undergoing a leadership transition within the NMC Foundation.
Associate Vice President for Resource Development and Executive Director of the NMC Foundation Rebecca Teahen will be leaving the college July 15. During her more than ten years of leadership, the Foundation has evolved into a model for community college philanthropy. Rebecca overhauled the traditional view of giving and lived the vision for Be What’s Possible with a new style comprehensive campaign which raised a record-setting $40.3 million from 5,200 donors. Today the NMC Foundation is one of the top 20 community college foundations in the United States. The Be What’s Possible campaign is one of the largest and most successful campaigns ever undertaken by a community college foundation. Thanks to her leadership we also have a growing alumni network, with 27,000 graduates and 58,000 former students, and robust participation with the community through the Foundation Board and committee members.
There is never a good time for leadership transitions, but Rebecca’s thoughtfulness to see the campaign through its successful completion is key. We are also just beginning the important work of strategic planning with the NMC Foundation to support the College’s strategic plan, NMC Next. We are currently working with the NMC Foundation Executive Committee and key stakeholders on a transition plan that will help guide the NMC Foundation through this planning process and toward long-term success. We also know that the NMC Foundation is very strong financially and well equipped with talented staff who will continue to serve our students and donors. We will of course keep you updated as the process continues.
Please join me in thanking Rebecca Teahen for her successful career at NMC. As you know, she and her family have a long history with the NMC community and I know she will always be a strong supporter of the valuable work we do.
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Jun 7, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
Cafe Lobdell’s, located on the second level of the Great Lakes Campus, will reopen this summer from June 21–July 28 for dine-in and carryout service. Culinary students will be making and serving handcrafted coffee and tea drinks, breakfast pastries and cafe-styled to-go lunch items on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:30–11:30 a.m. Stop by to experience the tasty treats our culinary students are whipping up! Reservations are not needed.
Jun 7, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
This collection provides resources for families to help them support their LGBTQIA+ child.
(more…)
Jun 6, 2022 | Intercom
Meg Young, NMC’s Coordinator of Graphics and Printing Services, is moving on to her next chapter. She’s spent 22 years behind a Mac and a camera lens, wielding jpgs and pdfs, designing logos and wayfinding, and creating, finding or ordering all manner of Hawk Owl swag. From Welcome Week to commencement, she has worked with just about every department on every campus. Please join the Public Relations, Marketing and Communications team in toasting her career of creativity at the college.
When: Tuesday, June 14, 4—6 p.m.
Where: Grand Traverse Commons bocce pavilion, in between Pleasanton Bakery and Left Foot Charley
In lieu of a cake, PRMC will bring a cheese plate. Bring your own libations from neighboring Left Foot or Earthen Ales.
Jun 6, 2022 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
This week’s Hawk Owl Helper and Heroes are the organizers of the Pride carnival which will be held at the Dennos Museum Center on Saturday, June 11. NMC is proud to partner with UpNorth Pride for this free event from 11 a.m.—2 p.m. which includes an outdoor art installation, “Unconditional”, plus food, music and other family events.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Jun 6, 2022 | Intercom, Student News
TC Swing Club is a recently reinstated student group at NMC!
Open to ALL ages, this group is a fun way to get out, meet your community, and dance the night away!
TC Swing Club is a FREE event, no experience needed, and you can find free instruction if you’ve never swing-danced a day in your life. TC Swing prides themselves on providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a fun evening with the ones you love.
When: Every Sunday from June 3rd 2022 through October 1st 2022, 7—9:30 p.m.
Where: Clinch Park
TC Swing Club Mission Statement: Our mission is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where people of any age and skill level can learn and enjoy Swing Dancing while meeting new people and/or spending time with friends.
Jun 2, 2022 | Intercom, Student Events
Come connect with your community on Sunday, June 19 from 1—5 p.m. for a Juneteenth Celebration on NMC Campus in the courtyard area between East Hall and the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center.
This event is presented by Northern Michigan E3 and will include educational programming followed by a block party-style celebration with food and local artisans.
