Jan 17, 2012 | Student News
The Grand Traverse Area MSU Alumni Association has announced the availability of $1500.00 annual scholarship awards to NMC students transferring to Michigan State University. To be eligible to apply, an NMC student needs to have graduated from a high school in Grand Traverse, Antrim or Leelanau Counties and be accepted by MSU into a degree program either on campus or through the NMC University Center. For selection criteria and application materials, please see an Advisor in the NMC Advising Center, Osterlin 118. Applications are due no later than February 15, 2012.
Jan 17, 2012 | Student News
1. The four week intramural soccer season begins Tuesday, January 24. Teams will be scheduled to play two games per week with games starting at 2:10, 3:10, and 4:10, Monday through Thursday.
2. Sign-up sheets are available at the Intramural Sports Office located in room 102 of the Rajkovich Building and at the East Hall front desk.
A mandatory captain’s meeting will be held Monday, January 23rd at 5:00 in the West Hall cafeteria.
3. All players must be a regular student admitted to Northwestern Michigan College and enrolled in at least one course during the current semester. Presentation of a valid student I.D. may be required prior to participating.
INTRAMURAL INDOOR SOCCER GUIDELINES
• Teams will compete with no more than six players on a side. Additional players will be available for substitutions.
• All teams must be co-ed. At least one female player must be on the floor throughout the entire game. Male players may not be substituted for missing females.
• Goals scored by female players will be valued double.
For additional information, please call Tom Kasper in the Recreation and Intramural Sports Office at (231) 995-1199 or email tkasper@nmc.edu.
Jan 17, 2012 | Student News
The Muster Project is a program that helps incoming students by pairing them with student mentors.We kick off the mentoring relationship sailing on a 40′ traditionally rigged sailboat. Then mentors meet weekly with their students. This Fall, make a difference in a student’s life, be a mentor. Applications and interviews are happening now. Go to www.nmc.edu/sailing to complete the application. If you have questions, please e-mail Joe Sanok, jsanok@nmc.edu
Jan 17, 2012 | Student News
Jan 6, 2012 | Intercom
Here are some highlights from the January 6, 2011 issue of the NMC Intercom.
MID-YEAR CONFERENCE
Monday, January 9, 8:00 a.m.-noon at the Hagerty Center
Please arrive at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and conversation. The program will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. and conclude by noon.
Get your picture taken during Mid-Year Conference!
Now your purchases in the bookstore and food service/kiosks can be made with your NMC ID. Go to www.nmc.managemyid.com
Instructions will be available at Mid-Year Conference or by calling 995-1119
Note: ID cards will be inter-office mailed the week of 1/19/2012.
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Jan 3, 2012 | Features
The online home for news, events and updates to the students of Northwestern Michigan College.
Go » NMC Student News Update
Jan 2, 2012 | Features
The online version of the NMC Intercom, the weekly newsletter for faculty and staff at Northwestern Michigan College.
Go » NMC Intercom
Jan 1, 2012 | Features
The online version of NMC President Timothy J. Nelson’s updates to the Board of Trustees and the campus community.
Go » President’s Update
Dec 23, 2011 | Intercom
Here are some highlights from the December 23, 2011 issue of the NMC Intercom.
The full issue is linked below. You’ll need an NMC ID and password to download it.
During the holidays, consider introducing your visiting family and friends to the wonders inside the Dennos Museum Center (closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1), then don your warm apparel to stroll main campus to enjoy the array of outdoor sculptures.
THIS MONTH IN NMC HISTORY FOR DECEMBER
50 Years Ago:
- Sunday December 3, 1961 was the date of the Dedication Ceremony for the Mark Osterlin Library. Bernard Rink, College Librarian, urged the public to “participate in the dedication of this new cultural asset.” (Right: photo of the architect handing over the library key to Les Biederman and Mr. Rink).
25 Years Ago:
- The Welding Program began an “open enrollment” policy, enabling students to begin taking the course at a choice of three-week intervals throughout the year.
- NMC banned smoking in buildings, with the exception of private offices and a designated smoking area in each building.
- NMC closed for a half-day in remembrance of founder Les Biederman, who died on November 29, 1986.
10 Years Ago:
- In early December, there was no snow and temperatures rose to above 60 degrees, a near-record (See photo).
- White Pine Press ran an article quoting international students concerned that the post-9/11 heightened airport security might impact their getting back into the United States after semester break.
From the NMC Archives at the Osterlin Library
A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the NMC Giving Tree program, which helped provide gifts for 49 students and their family members. 183 In all, we helped 49 families totaling 183 people, 139 of whom were children.
**WELLNESS, IT’S A CHOICE**
Wellness can be defined as an active process through which we become aware of and make choices toward a more successful existence. Wellness is a positive approach to living that emphasizes the whole person – the integration of the body, mind and spirit; and the appreciation that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an impact on our state of health.
As a part of embracing a culture of wellness at NMC, your Wellness Committee plans to provide weekly information and tips for healthy living – presented in a lively and engaging format. We’d like to start with a short YouTube presentation by Dr. Mike Evans. Called “23 1/2 Hours;” it addresses one lifestyle change that can enhance the quality of your life the most. Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/user/DocMikeEvans#p/a/u/0/aUaInS6HIGo
NMC INTERCOM – News and information for NMC faculty and staff – Friday, December 23, 2011
– (PDF – link opens new window)
Dec 16, 2011 | Intercom
Here are some highlights from the December 16, 2011 issue of the NMC Intercom.
The full issue is linked below. You’ll need an NMC ID and password to download it.
The NMC Board of Trustees meets Monday, December 19, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in the Oleson Center. The agenda is available online at: www.nmc.edu/about/board-of-trustees/agendas/2011/121911-regular.pdf
Gift Certificates for EES Classes
Give a gift that lasts with a gift certificate for an Extended Education class! Choose from cooking, photography, computers, dance, fitness, and much more. Browse the selections atwww.nmc.edu/ees. Call 995-1700 to purchase a gift certificate for a specific class or an amount ($25 or more) towards any class in the “Learn for Life” schedule. Employee tuition waivers apply.
ACTION PLAN IN PROCESS
Over the past five months, President’s Council, Planning & Budget Council and the Leadership Group with the help of the Office of Research, Planning & Effectiveness (ORPE), have been working hard to implement the work of the Alignment of Planning Action Project team. This work began in August 2011 with the Grasp the Situation work, moved into the development of Strategic Outcomes and Strategic Goals, and lead to eight Board approved Strategic Goals for FY’12 and FY’13 at the November Board meeting. We now have a Strategic Plan that moves us further along in our ability to take action on our Strategic Directions and Institutional Effectiveness Criteria.
On December 9, the Leadership Group engaged in a work session whereby we turned from strategic to operational planning. Department leads will be engaging their teams in the process of developing Operational Plan A3’s for 2012-13. These plans will be due January 30, 2012. Additional materials on the planning process, including templates and key strategy documents, are available on the new ORPE intranet site and can be accessed at: intranet.nmc.edu/depts/orpe/planning/index.html
We’ll be checking and adjusting the process as we go: If you have feedback or input at any time, please feel free to send your thoughts to Karen Ruedinger at kruedinger@nmc.edu.
ACCREDITATION VISIT UPDATE
In preparation for our January 25-27 visit by a Higher Learning Commission (HLC) review team, we were required to submit two pre-work documents titled the Federal Compliance Report and the Quality Program Summary. These were released on December 14. You can access the documents on the IR website located here: www.nmc.edu/ir/accreditation/index.html under the Check Up Visit by HLC portion of the table.
The public comment period continues to run through December 25, 2011. Additional information about the process for commenting about NMC directly to the HLC is available on the website located here: www.nmc.edu/news/ (see blue panel on the right).
NMC INTERCOM – News and information for NMC faculty and staff – Friday, December 16, 2011
– (PDF – link opens new window)
Dec 9, 2011 | Intercom
Here are some highlights from the December 9, 2011 issue of the NMC Intercom.
The full issue is linked below. You’ll need an NMC ID and password to download it.
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY: HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Do you have a spare bedroom available? Would you like to share your culture and experiences with a student while learning about theirs? Become a host for an international student attending NMC! We have an immediate need for a host family for January for a great new aviation student from England. He is a male student who has already completed an honors degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire and is coming to NMC to earn his Aviation degree and get his pilot’s license. The student will have his own transportation, but would like to stay with a family during his time here. For more information please contact Lindsey Dickinson (ldickinson@nmc.edu or 5-1082).
ACCREDITATION VISIT UPDATE
As we learned at Mid-Year Opening Conference, the next step in our quality journey will be a check- up visit by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) on January 25-27, 2012. As part of that process, we are required to offer an opportunity for the community to provide comment about NMC directly to the HLC. Therefore, you might notice an ad that will run next week in the Traverse City Record- Eagle announcing this comment period. Additionally, there is a link on our NMC website www.nmc.edu/news where you and other members of the community are provided the details for sending comments directly to the HLC. Comments must be received by December 25, 2011.
The intent of the check-up visit is to provide constructive feedback on our institution, designed to help accelerate our continuous improvement journey. HLC’s motivation will be to help us improve. We are gearing up to take full advantage of their expertise and experience.
NMC INTERCOM – News and information for NMC faculty and staff – Friday, December 9, 2011
– (PDF – link opens new window)
Dec 8, 2011 | Student News
The last edition of the semester (where has all the time gone?):
- Russia Study Abroad Information Session TODAY
- Don’t let the Flu Season Ruin Your Holiday Season
- Upcoming Nursing Information Session
- Important News Coming To Your NMC E-mail
- Book Buyback Is Next Week
- Final Payment Deadline January 3
- Alternative Spring Break
- Nominate Someone For The NMC Faculty Excellence Awards
A reminder, NMC will be closed the week of December 26-30, and offices will reopen on Monday, January 2.
Russia Study Abroad Info Session
TODAY! Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 5pm in Scholars Hall (SH) 109
Earn credit for your travels, use financial aid, see the world!
Contact Jim Coughlin, 995-1270 for more information
Don’t let the Flu Season Ruin Your Holiday Season!
FREE Influenza Vaccine for uninsured students in Health Services located at LB 106. Just walk in or call 995-1255. Limited supply, first come, first serve.
Young women between the ages of 19-26 may be eligible to receive FREE Gardasil, the vaccine that prevents HPV which causes cervical cancer. To find out if you qualify, stop by Health Services at LB 106 or call 995-1255.
Coming Soon! Student Wellness program “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds”. Earn chances to win free gas cards weekly and an end of semester bonus prize while getting healthy.
Upcoming Nursing Information Session
Please join us for a Nursing Information Session for current NMC pre-nursing students on December 13th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Oleson Center.
This session will better acquaint you with our Nursing program, review admissions criteria and discuss program policies and procedures.
If you are interested in attending the Nursing Information Session check the Advising Center webpage (www.nmc.edu/advising) for information on how to RSVP.
Important News Coming To Your NMC e-mail
Watch your Self-Service and NMC e-mail over the next several weeks! Fall grades will be finalized and Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be calculated. You will be notified by email if there is a change in your SAP status and financial aid funding.
You can also check your eligibility status, grades, account balance, and pending financial aid on your NMC Self-Service.
Book Buyback Is Next Week
Bookstore hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday
Final Payment Deadline January 3
Final payment day is Tuesday, January 3, 2012, for Spring semester. Any students registering after that date should expect to make payment when they register.
Grades for Fall 2011 should be available through the student’s Self-Service account by the end of the day December 23.
Graduation is not automatic. If you plan to graduate at the end of Fall 2011, Spring 2012, or Summer 2012, apply now! Click here for the application.
Convenient ways to pay for your spring semester and avoid long lines:
ONLINE: www.nmc.edu/selfservice – always available for viewing financial aid status, balances, setting up a payment plan and paying with Visa. You can also authorize others to make payments and set up ACH (direct debit) transactions from your bank.
IN PERSON: To better serve you, Cashier’s, Financial Aid, and Records & Registration will have extended hours on these final payment days and first week of class:
- January 2 and 3 – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- January 16-19 – 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
BY MAIL: NMC, ATTN: Business Office, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686
Questions? Call the Cashier’s Office (231) 995-1085 or email billing@mail.nmc.edu
Alternative Spring Break
Alternative Spring Break is Back! NMC and The United Way have partnered to bring this amazing experience back to you. Are you interested in volunteering in New Orleans over Spring Break? Please apply today so you can join us in planning, fundraising, and getting ready! Contact Michelle Gallagher, 947-3200 or michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org
Nominate Someone for the NMC Faculty Excellence Awards
Sometimes in the everyday rush of being a student and handling other obligations, it doesn’t occur to students until after they’ve left NMC that they should have said “Thank You” to a particular instructor. The NMC Faculty Excellence Awards nomination process is an opportunity to do that NOW.
CIE is hoping that you will help us spread the word regarding the Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence Award honoring a full‑time instructor and the NMC Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award honoring an adjunct instructor. Can you take a few minutes this semester to nominate that instructor who has made sense out of chaos” for you and to encourage others to do the same?
The nomination form is online.
Dec 2, 2011 | President Updates
Thank you all for everything you do in pursuit of “Keeping Learning at the Center.”
Activities of Note: Faculty and Staff
I hope to recognize the good work you are doing in this new section of the update. Linkages to the Strategic Agenda, Strategic Directions and Goals will be made where possible. (more…)
Dec 2, 2011 | Intercom
Here are some highlights from the December 2, 2011 issue of the NMC Intercom.
The full issue is linked below. You’ll need an NMC ID and password to download it.
ERIC DAIGH EXHIBITION OPENS SUNDAY, DEC. 4
NMC‟s Dennos Museum Center will host the exhibition Eric Daigh: Happiness is a Target, December 4, 2011 – April 1, 2012.
Portraitist Eric Daigh of Traverse City presents a collection of works spanning his career to date. Claiming to be a photographer sometimes and a painter at others, Daigh is probably best placed in the category of mosaic. His works often include an arrangement of small pixels, most notably pushpins that form a larger picture. Daigh won acclaim in 2009 by taking 3rd place in the inaugural ArtPrize competition, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since then,
Daigh has gone on to group and solo shows nationwide, commissions, collections, larger works, etc. This show will features works from the very beginning of Daigh’s career in pushpins, as well as recent work involving sculptural installations and street art.
Daigh states of his own work, “In my work I aim to explore themes of individuality and representation. My subjects are imprisoned, diluted, marginalized. Their escape, however, is imminent. Whether a symptom of corporate and social homogenization, or the four base pairs of DNA, we are products of just a small handful of variables. In five colors of plastic, you can be reproduced. I enjoy very much making something digital with my hands. I enjoy making work that requires a physical proximity. I enjoy the fact that this work travels from the intangible, the binary, to the tactile, the singular. By invoking these mediums, I hope to generate a dialogue and sentiment that has something to do with the effort, repetition, focus, discipline, absurdity, and love that went into its making. Ultimately, then, I hope those themes come crashing through the human in front of you, and spill over onto those you’re standing next to, those you know and those you have yet to know. I hope you spend more time staring at people’s faces and that you feel something in the process.”
The Dennos will host a number of programs with Eric Daigh in January 2012. For more information on the programs, call Diana Bolander, Curator of Education and Interpretation at 995-1029 or check online at www.dennosmuseum.org.
Running out of original gift ideas for family and friends?
A donation to the college on behalf of a friend or family member is meaningful and unique.
The NMC Foundation will acknowledge your tax-deductible contribution and provide you with a holiday gift card that you can present to your friend or family member.
To give the gift of learning as a tribute, please include a note with the honoree‟s name and your completed Faculty/Staff payroll pledge form (available at s:\resource development\public\fac staff gift form.doc) and send to the NMC Foundation, Founders Hall.
Thank you to those faculty and staff who have given to date. We are 25% of the way toward our 100% participation goal! Pledge your gift before December 18 and be entered in the drawing to win a free lunch for two at Lobdell’s. For more information, call 995-1021.
NMC INTERCOM – News and information for NMC faculty and staff – Friday, December 2, 2011
– (PDF – link opens new window)
Nov 8, 2011 | Student News
In this edition:
- Need a helping hand this holiday season?
- Nursing information system
- Express advising days
- Veterans Day is November 11
- Don’t be sick for the holidays
- Upcoming student events
- “The Anatomy of Hate”
Need a helping hand this holiday season?
NMC wants to support your educational endeavor and brighten your family’s holiday. If you are enrolled in either NMC or a University Center program and struggling to support your family and stay in school, consider applying to NMC’s Giving Tree Program.
Students are invited to apply for support from the Giving Tree Program by completing the attached brief application (also available at S:\Resource Development\Public\Giving Tree Program Application). Completed applications must be returned to NMC Resource Development in Founders Hall on main campus by November 14, 2011.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee, with 50 families selected to participate. Lighted trees will be placed on each campus, decorated with “ornaments” containing the gift recipient’s information: man/woman, boy/girl, age, clothing size and interests/special requests.
NMC and University Center faculty and staff volunteers will be invited to select an ornament(s) and provide a gift. A gift collection site will be at each location. Gifts will be distributed the week of December 12.
Students graduating at the end of fall 2011 should already have their Application for a Degree/Certificate submitted to the Records & Registration Office. If not, get it in right away!!
Nursing information session
November 29, 2011, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Oleson Center, NMC’s Main Campus
Please join us for a Nursing Information Session for current NMC pre-nursing students on November 29th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Oleson Center. This session will better acquaint you with our Nursing program, review admissions criteria and discuss program policies and procedures. If you are interested in attending the Nursing Information Session please complete the registration form available on the Advising Center webpage (www.nmc.edu/advising). Space is limited to the first 100 students that RSVP electronically on the Advising Center website. A confirmation of your registration will be sent to your NMC email.
Express advising days
Express Advising is available on the following dates in Osterlin 118:
Tuesday, November 8: 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, November 11: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Veterans Day is Friday, November 11
Since 1919, our nation has collectively paused on November 11 to honor all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. On behalf of all faculty and staff this Veterans’ Day, I’d especially like to thank and recognize the 163 veterans currently enrolled here at NMC, as well as those among our faculty and staff who have served.
Our CIT and Maritime programs have the greatest concentration of veterans. In fact, more than a quarter of current Maritime cadets are veterans.
Beyond the individuals themselves, our campus is enriched by veterans. Under the leadership of Jim Press in the history department, NMC students have been part of the national Veterans History Project, recording the oral histories of veterans, for several years. The NMC Foundation also is honored to steward and award two scholarships for veterans or the descendants of veterans.
We owe much to these men and women willing to serve and sacrifice for their fellow citizens. On Veterans’ Day, please join me in taking a moment to say thank you.
Don’t be sick for the holidays
Every year there is an increase in flu cases after Thanksgiving due to exposure to sick relatives at holiday celebrations. Be smart this year and get vaccinated.
Walk in Flu Shots for $15 in Health Services LB106
Upcoming student events
- Student Government is hosting a free bowling night at Lucky Jacks November 17 from 9 pm – 12 am.
- Wings of Wonder is an educational program on raptors (hawks, falcons, turkey vultures, etc.) that explains their physical attributes, natural environments, threats to their survival, and ways to get involved in their rehabilitation. Wings of Wonder features several raptors in person along with their personal stories. This event is in the Fine Arts Building in room 115 at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15.
The Anatomy of Hate
Student Life is showing the documentary, “The Anatomy of Hate: A Dialogue for Hope” in the Milliken Auditorium at 7 pm this Friday, November 11.
This film reveals the shared narratives found in individual and collective ideologies of hate, and how we as a species can overcome them.
For six years the filmmaker worked with unprecedented access to some of the most venomous ideologies and violent conflicts of our time including the White Supremacist movement, Christian Fundamentalism as an anti-gay platform, Muslim extremism, the Palestinian Intifada, Israeli Settlers and Soldiers, and US Forces in Iraq.
By juxtaposing this verité footage with interviews from sociological, psychological, and neurological experts, and interspersing stories of redemption told by former “combatants”, the film weaves a tapestry that reveals both the emotional and biological mechanisms which make all of us susceptible to acts and ideologies of hate, and demonstrates how these very same traits make us equally capable of overcoming them…
The film will be followed by a discussion with the director, Mike Ramsdell.
This event is open and free to the public.
For more information on Friday’s showing, visit: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204136929656444&ref=ts
For more information on the film, visit: http://www.theanatomyofhate.com/
Oct 11, 2011 | Student News
Check out the latest edition of the NMC Student Update, which includes:
- Get ready to register
- Find out when you can begin to register for Spring and Summer
- Spring Semester 2012 Financial Aid
- Change for Summer Financial Aid
- Traverse Bay Area College Night is tonight
- Flu vaccines
- US Marines offer ROTC Alternative Programs
Get ready to register
Spring term registration starts in November. Are you ready?
- Watch your mail for a postcard with info about when you can register. Registration starts November 9 – 11 depending on how many credits you have completed.
- Check Self-Service for any “holds” you’ll want to clear up before registration.
- Contact your assigned academic advisor to make an appointment now. A list of advisors can be found at nmc.edu/spring.
- Express Advising is available on the following dates in Osterlin 118:
- Fri, November 4: 11:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Mon, November 7: 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
- Tues, November 8: 12:30 p.m.–3 p.m.
- Fri, November 11: 8 a.m.–3 p.m
Contact the Advising Center in Osterlin 118 for help, or call (231) 995-1040.
Find out when you can begin to register for Spring and Summer
Students can see your first available time to register for Spring and Summer, by logging into Self-Service, then click Register, and then Select a Semester.
Spring Semester 2012 Financial Aid
We typically award financial aid for Fall and Spring Semesters at the beginning of the aid year. If you already have Financial Aid in place, you do not have to reapply for Spring Semester. If you did not attend Fall Semester, we will automatically package financial aid for Spring and Summer Semesters. Check your Self-Service for the status of your financial aid before contacting our office if you have questions.
Change for Summer Financial Aid
In order to continue Pell Grant at current funding levels during the academic year, congress has eliminated the Year Round Pell Grant Program that was in effect Summer Session 2011. Pell Grant recipients who attend school full time in the Fall Semester 2011 and Spring Semester 2012 will not have any Pell Grant eligibility for Summer Session 2012. Pell Grant recipients who do not attend full time in the Fall and Spring Semesters may have limited Pell Grant eligibility left for the Summer Session. If you plan to attend classes during Summer Session, it is recommended that you plan your finances well in advance. Funding for Summer Session is extremely limited and many students must rely on alternative loan options to attend Summer Session classes.
Traverse Bay Area College Night is tonight
Area high school students and parents are invited to meet with representatives from more than 50 colleges and universities at the annual Traverse Bay Area College Night, to be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, 715 E. Front Street, Traverse City.
As part of the event, two financial aid seminars will be held, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
NMC’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy, in partnership with the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD), is sponsoring the event. More than 1,000 area students and parents from 50 surrounding secondary schools are expected to attend.
Flu vaccines
Flu Vaccine Clinic for Culinary and Maritime students at GL231 on Wednesday, Oct.12th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Flu Vaccine Clinic for all students at Student Health Services Tuesday, Oct. 13th from 12pm to 2pm
Cost $15
US Marines offer ROTC Alternative Programs
The United States Marines offer two ROTC-alternative programs: Platoon Leaders Class (PLC), designed for freshmen through juniors in college and Officer Candidate Course (OCC) for seniors and graduates. Both programs offer leadership training and the opportunity to accept a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. For details about each program, visit http://www.marineofficer.com or contact First Lieutenant Marcus Carlstrom, USMC Officer Selection Officer, East Lansing, (517) 351-5515.
Oct 24, 1018 | Intercom, Student News
October 24, 2018
A quartet of NMC student entrepreneurs won the top prize at TC New Tech’s October Pitch Night, bringing their product another step closer to market and bolstering the college’s reputation as an innovation incubator.
Hybrid Robotics, comprised of four students in NMC’s engineering technology and marine technology programs, was the crowd’s “clear favorite” at the October 2 event, said Russell Schindler (on the left), founder of TC New Tech. In a Traverse City version of the Shark Tank TV show, they competed against four other companies seeking the $500 prize decided by a live audience vote at the City Opera House.
Each company got five minutes to pitch their idea and responded to five minutes of questions.
CEO Matt Goddard (second from left) co-presented their innovation, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of floating and deploying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) into the water. The students built it in an engineering technology class last spring semester by customizing an off-the-shelf drone with everything from unique parts manufactured in the college’s 3-D printers to foam balls from JoAnn Fabrics. They are now refining the unit and concept.
“We’re trying to make a hybrid platform for the marine inspection industry,” Goddard said. “All this is proof of concept and we’re trying to get a production model by early next year.”
The $500 prize won’t get them there, but Schindler said Hybrid Robotics walks away with more than that one check.
“They now have bragging rights. They won the competition. It’s kind of an endorsement of their product, that they’re on the right track and deserve a second look by a serious investor.”
Goddard confirmed he and his colleagues, Ryan Mater, Clayton Harbin and Aaron Bottke have had such conversations since, but couldn’t reveal details.
Hybrid Robotics is now shaping up to be the second viable company to emerge from NMC’s Maker Space. Begun in 2014 at the Parsons-Stulen Building, the Maker Space offers both a place and a process for team-based, project learning that, when evolved to its highest level, can turn students into entrepreneurs. Interactive Aerial, a Traverse City company that specializes in drone inspections of interior, confined spaces, is the first.
“We wouldn’t have been able to build this without the support of NMC,” Mater told college trustees at an August presentation of the drone.
Instructor Keith Kelly (above), who taught the class in which the Hybrid Robotics team formed and developed their first unit, wants to see more.
“How can we make the transition with these teams from the college classrooms into startups?” Kelly asked. “That’s really the exciting stuff.”
