Welcome our newest hires
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Aiden Engvall, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Christopher Collins, supplemental – Banquet Server
NMC Trustees to host Audit Committee meeting and study session Nov. 19
Traverse City — The NMC Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19 in room 14 (lower level) of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front Street, Traverse City. The meeting notice is available here.
The Board of Trustees will host a study session at 3 p.m. the same day, also in room 14 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. The meeting notice and agenda are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: november 15, 2024
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationFood Pantry and Stocking Stuffer program needs
Hello everyone,
On behalf of the Student Life Office and The Food Pantry Committee, I am reaching out to all employees with information about opportunities to support our students, both as we approach the holiday season, and on an ongoing basis.
From now until December 31st, you can consider supporting the Stocking Stuffer program that is run through the Student Life Office. This program currently is available to students in financial need who have been identified by the Student Life Office or by a referral from faculty/staff who is aware of a student needing additional support. Any student who applies to this program will receive a $25 Amazon gift card per household member (up to $100 maximum) to take some of the pressure off the inherent holiday season financial stressors.
With each passing year, we are finding an increase in student requests for this program, which is not surprising given the increased usage of our food pantry, emergency assistance requests, and students expressing more and more financial need and struggles with supporting themselves and their family members. Your support of this program will go toward providing these gift cards to our students most in need as we approach the holidays.
From now until December 31, employees can go to the nmc.edu/give page, and in the “Designate my gift to” section, there is an option in the drop down box to select “Stocking Stuffers.”
In addition to the holiday based Stocking Stuffer program, please consider contributing either one-time or an ongoing basis to the NMC Food Pantry with a monetary donation at the same webpage (look for “food pantry” in the drop down box if you are donating directly to the pantry). If you would like to consider an ongoing donation to the food pantry through payroll deduction or other means, please visit the Ways to Give page on the NMC Foundation’s website.
Food pantry usage is at an all-time high this semester. Any contribution of any size is helpful for our students and their families. And please remember that you can also drop off food donations at the upcoming NMC holiday party, or to the Student Life Office at any time.
Thank you for all you do for our students!
Lisa Thomas
Wood firing and pottery sale
The ceramics studio would like to extend a warm invitation to the NMC community to join us on Friday, November 22 to experience a wood kiln firing and browse a selection of student- and faculty-made works at our pottery sale. The firing will begin at 4 a.m. and will continue through midnight. The pottery sale runs concurrently, from 1–7 p.m. Attendees can browse a selection of student and faculty made works; proceeds benefit NMC’s ceramics program.
The firing and sale will be held in the ceramics studio, located in room 135 of the Okerstrom Fine Arts Building on the Front Street Campus. Parking is located in Maple Lot.
Volunteers are still needed. Those interested can sign up here.
FLSA changes effective January 1, 2025
The Fair Labor Standards Act has some additional changes coming in 2025 that you should be aware of. Specifically, more employees will be eligible for overtime pay — this includes those currently salaried employees who earn below a salary threshold of $58,656 annually. Teaching positions are exempt from the salary threshold requirement.
We are currently reviewing these changes and how it impacts NMC positions. Please watch for more specific information and guidance in the coming weeks.
If you would like to learn more about the changes, please access the Department of Labor’s website.
Fall 2024 volleyball tournament
Campus Life is hosting a volleyball tournament on Thursday, November 21 from 7–10 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Center. This tournament is open to all current NMC staff, students and faculty. Teams must sign up by Wednesday, November 20.
Coffee and Careers event
The Experiential Learning Institute and Amy Burns Bailey, Workforce Director, will be hosting Coffee & Careers on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from noon–1 p.m. in the Experiential Learning Institute office in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 103. Amy Hopkins, SPHR, SHRM-SCP from Dennis, Gartland, & Niergarth will be leading the discussion and networking session. Coffee and treats will be available.
Media mentions for November 11, 2024
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.
Essays by Karen Anderson: Big Map
Interlochen Public Radio, Nov. 10
(more…)
Upcoming Extended Education classes for employees – Nov. 11
Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these upcoming classes! Place the class in your shopping cart in order to see the discount. Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
From Truffles to Castelmagno: Flavors of Italy’s Piedmont Region
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Italy’s Piedmont region, a land where earthy truffles, robust red wines, decadent cheeses, and divine chocolate intertwine.
Thursday, Dec. 5 ; 6–9 p.m.
Employee price: $37 per person, includes a beverage (public price: $125)
Painting With Acrylics: Old Barns
Northern Michigan is home to so many beautiful vistas, including farm land with rustic, restored, and historic barns. Capture the view of your favorite barn with acrylic paints on an 11 x 14 canvas.
Saturday, Nov. 16; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Employee price: $22 per person (public price: $79)
Cookie Decorating with Kids (For Adult & Child Age 8+)
Looking for a sweet activity to share with your kids this holiday season? You and a child can learn how to decorate beautiful, professional-looking cookies using royal icing.
Saturday, Dec. 14; 1–3:30 p.m.
Price: $54 for adult plus child (originally $125)
Need help setting up your profile? Look for “EES” in the Help Desk drop down menu.
On the menu: Hawk Owl Café specials for Nov. 11–15
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Monday, November 11
Slow-roasted pot roast with gravy. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Roasted sweet potato (V) with kale. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Tuesday, November 12
Indigenous People’s Dinner with Chef Sam Anglin (served from 4:30 PM – 6:00 p.m.)
-
- Three Sister Buffalo Casserole with maple-roasted squash
- Toasted wild rice
- Tossed salad with strawberry maple vinaigrette, pumpkin seeds and dried blueberries
- Manoomin sweet treat
- Blue corn blueberry bread pudding
- Healing tea
$7.00 for students and $14.00 for community members.
Wednesday, November 13
Orange popeye chicken bowl with mandarin oranges. Served with rice and bosco sticks.
Baked Tofu Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges. Served with rice and bosco sticks.
Thursday, November 14
Breakfast for Dinner!
-
- French toast sticks with syrup or quiche lorraine. Served with sausage patties and links.
- Quiche (V). Served with fresh fruit.
Friday, November 15
Beer-battered cod sandwich with tartar sauce. Served with creamy coleslaw and French fries
BBQ jackfruit (V) with brioche bun. Served with creamy coleslaw and french fries.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
On Thursday, December 5, Rear Admiral Luke A. Frost will speak of the tragic events of the December 1941 attacks on Pearl Harbor and how this pulled the United States into WWII. He will also talk about the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in the modern world as it relates to international policy and our strategic plans.
The talk begins at 5:30 p.m. in room 109 of Scholars Hall. This event is free to all.
About Rear Admiral Frost
Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in Finance and Business Economics and was commissioned in 1996. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, where he graduated with highest distinction and was recognized as the President’s Honor Graduate.
At sea, he was first assigned to USS Ingersoll (DD 990) as anti-submarine warfare officer and combat systems officer, and deployed to the Central Command area of responsibility. His next assignment was to USS George Washington (CVN 73) where he served as auxiliaries’ officer and repair officer and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and the Arabian Gulf. As a department head, he was assigned to USS Chafee (DDG 90) as weapons officer and combat systems officer, deploying twice to Central Command.
Ashore, Frost has been assigned to the personal staff of a United States House of Representatives member as a Department of Defense legislative fellow. He has served on the Chief of Naval Operations staff (OPNAV N095) in Washington, District of Columbia, and as assistant chief of staff for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/5), on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He has completed a fellowship in national security and foreign policy with Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned a certificate of legislative studies from Georgetown University.
Frost’s command tours include USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), where he completed an accelerated and extended independent ballistic missile defense deployment to Central Command, and USS America (LHA 6), where he completed a homeport shift to the Western Pacific joining forward deployed Naval Forces Japan and operating extensively throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Frost has been awarded the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.
Board of Trustees Policy Committee meeting
TRAVERSE CITY — The Policy Committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 in the President’s Conference Room of the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: november 8, 2024
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationNew student-made products at the bookstore
Stop by the campus bookstore for new student-made products!
2025 calendars and holiday greeting cards are available until the end of the year—don’t wait! Limited quantities are available.
Congratulations to our October Wellness winner Kyle Ferrill
There is still plenty of time to join NMC’s wellness platform, HawkOwl Health, and begin earning points towards the next drawing for a $200 prize. Priority Health members can download the Virgin pulse app to use the Priority wellbeing hub for recipes, exercise challenges, and general health tips. Instructions for joining can be found here (you must be signed into your MyNMC account to access this link). If you are not currently enrolled in NMC’s Priority Health plan, but are interested in accessing the wellness platform, please contact Brittany Hanbury at bhanbury@nmc.edu.
Employee anniversaries: November
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
Kudos!
Erika Cotner: Erika Cotner deserves an extra large KUDOS for all of her successful work on full-time hiring over the past couple of months! HR is breaking records for the number of full time searches going on at one time, and Erika has managed the flow and load with expertise and professionalism! Thank you, Erika, for living the NMC values of integrity, innovation, stewardship and excellence while keeping a smile on your face! You are appreciated.
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
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
-
- Moira McGuan, supplemental employee – Banquet Server
- Tyler Kastens, student employee – Aviation Line Crew
- Douglas Jensen, student employee – Audio Tech Lab Assistant
2025 Open Enrollment is now active!
Open Enrollment for 2025 is November 5-15. NMC is using ADP again this year. Enrollment instructions can be accessed here.
Important Details for 2025
-
- If you don’t want to make any changes, no action is necessary; everything will automatically roll to 2025 (except FSA and HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts must be actively renewed or they will carry over to 2025 at $0
- HSA seeding for 2025 is $1,400 for individuals and $2,800 for family (70% in January and 30% in July)
- Medical cost per paycheck have increased slightly
- The federal minimum on the deductibles for the High Deductible Plan have increased to $1,650 single/ $3,300 family
- No changes in the cost for dental or vision coverage
- It is a good idea to review your life insurance beneficiaries and make updates if needed
- If you don’t want to make any changes, no action is necessary; everything will automatically roll to 2025 (except FSA and HSA)
Employees can stop by the computer lab in room 214 of the James Beckett Building from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 if they need additional assistance selecting their benefits.
If you did not receive a calendar invitation or have any questions, please contact Hollie DeWalt in Human Resources at hdewalt@nmc.edu.
Learn to Swing Dance with the NMC Swing Dance Club
Have fun meeting new people while learning to swing dance with the NMC Swing Dance Club.
The club meets every Saturday from 7-9 pm in room 120 of the Rajkovich Physical Education Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus. All are welcome.
Call for 2025 Fellows nominations
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Selection Committee is seeking nominations for the 2025 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows can be found here for your reference.
Please complete the nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Monday, December 2, 2024.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Success story: Real results shown in new Community Report
November 6, 2024
At Northwestern Michigan College, we’re proud to be a partner in building a stronger, more vibrant community. In a new publication arriving in Grand Traverse County mailboxes next week – our inaugural Community Report – we demonstrate how NMC is improving lives right here, from offering high-quality education and workforce training to supporting local innovation and leadership.
This report shares real stories of student success and community impact, showing how NMC is dedicated to making Grand Traverse County a better place to live, work, and grow. Whether you’re a local resident, business owner, partner or student, you’ll see how NMC is helping shape a brighter future for all of us. For example:
- A nursing pipeline of 160 students plus a partnership with Munson that means graduates can go straight from classroom to patient bedside.
- Six new Grand Traverse County sheriff’s deputies in the last 15 months, thanks to accelerated, high-quality law enforcement training, strengthening community safety
- A first-of-its kind study that identified microplastics in the Boardman River. NMC’s data will contribute to better decisions about how to manage the impact on this major feeder of Grand Traverse Bay.
- Ways you can explore, discover and connect locally and globally, from listening or streaming WNMC radio to attending an International Affairs Forum lecture at the Dennos Museum
The report will be mailed to Grand Traverse County residents and businesses mid-November. Read the online version here. Request a copy here.
Lutchko named Great Lakes Water Studies Institute director
TRAVERSE CITY — Following a national search, interim Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director and NMC alumnus John Lutchko has been named the permanent GLWSI director, charged with leading the distinctive program forward at a critical juncture.
GLWSI houses NMC’s bachelor of science degree in Marine Technology, the only such degree in the world, along with the new Water Quality & Environmental Technology associate degree and the Freshwater Studies transfer pathway.
“GLWSI and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy represent the college’s commitment to water-based education and workforce development,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives. “John made it clear during a robust national search and interview process that he had the passion, expertise, and vision to drive the Institute forward. I’m excited for what lies ahead under John’s leadership.”
Succeeding GLWSI’s first director Hans Van Sumeren, who left the college in July, Lutchko will lead efforts to enhance GLWSI’s sustainability and efficiency. His work will also include:
- Growing enrollment in Marine Technology and other key pathways
- Prioritizing workforce training and grant opportunities with the Marine Center, the noncredit, professional development arm of NMC’s water education repertoire
- Aligning with the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center in development in Greilickville. NMC is a founding partner of this initiative.
“I am thrilled to lead the next chapter of the GLWSI and to build upon our strong foundation. I’m fortunate to work alongside such a fantastic team at NMC and in the broader community as we aim to elevate the institute to new heights,” Lutchko said.
Lutchko has been part of the NMC community for almost 15 years, first as a student in the Freshwater Studies program, graduating in 2013. He served as GLWSI lab coordinator and manager, and has clocked more than 1,000 hours piloting and maintaining ROVs, captaining the R/V Northwestern, and presenting at national conferences on workforce training.
In that previous role, he co-taught many of Marine Tech’s key technical classes and delivered workforce and professional training. He has served on national organizations and at conferences, including the esteemed Marine Technology Society and Oceans 2025.
He has played a key part in the evolution of the Marine Technology program as its focus broadened from ROVs to include hydrographic surveying, remote sensing, and data analysis, resulting in outstanding job placement rates.
Lutchko has also supported numerous research projects, working with NOAA, the National Park Service, and the United States Geological Survey throughout the Great Lakes.
Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning, earlier this year Lutchko completed a master of science degree in Geospatial Technology from Michigan Technological University.
Release date: November 6, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discriminationIndigenous Cuisine
The Native American Student Association, Special Assistant to the President and the Dennos Museum Center are hosting a special dinner in celebration of Native American Heritage Month featuring guest chef Sam Anglin of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
Chef Sam artfully combines indigenous traditions with contemporary tastes. He has previously served as the Head Banquet Chef at the world-class Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, and led the kitchen at Andahwod Continuing Care Community and Elder Services on his reservation for over a decade. Sam has traveled across Turtle Island to exchange food knowledge at Intertribal Food Summits alongside other indigenous culinary visionaries. Whether hunting, fishing, foraging, or crafting a heartfelt meal, his commitment extends beyond the professional kitchen. He believes in nurturing connections through food and cooks for traditional ceremonies, pow-wows, and private cooking demonstrations, helping to spread the healing message of reconnecting with ancestral foods.
The dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 12 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Hawk Owl Café. The meal will cost $7.00 for students and $14.00 for community members.
9th annual Walk for Health & Housing
The 9th annual Walk for Health & Housing will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 6 p.m. to bring awareness to the challenges of unhoused people in our region. Ryan Hannon, leader of Central Outreach at Central United Methodist Church, will take participants on a guided walk and tour of downtown Traverse City bringing attention to the sorts of situations and challenges faced by homeless people. There will be speeches by other participants as well. The walk will begin and end at the NMC Great Lakes Campus (home of the Hagerty Center) for this 90-minute downtown tour, designed to make the less visible problems of homelessness and other insecurities visible to area residents. Among other stops that highlight service and volunteering opportunities, the group will stop by the Government Center to highlight ways area citizens can provide input and get involved. We need “all hands on deck” for this event to be as successful as possible. We hope to see you there!
Stronger Together Blood Drive
Join NMC & Versiti Blood in helping your community! The Versiti Blood Bus will be in the Cedar Lot at NMC’s Front Street Campus on Monday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the big, pink bus to gather blood donations.
Winter, especially Christmas time, is the most needed time for blood donations while also being the least donated time of year. Please help Versiti and your community by donating blood or even double red blood cells and get a $10 e-gift card as a thank you for being someone’s hero.
Walk-ins are welcome if the schedule allows, but appointments are preferred to keep everything running smoothly. Be sure to hydrate and eat before donating blood.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kate from Versiti at kshapkaroff@versiti.org or Kristi Hallett at khallett@nmc.edu.