Jan 14, 2025 | 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.
Veteran overcomes PTSD to graduate summa cum laude in social work
WZZM-TV Online, Jan. 10
(more…)
Jan 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC kicks off its 2025 Embrace the Dream programming, a series of events marking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, on January 20. A calendar of events is available at nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream.
Monday, Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
- Free admission to the Dennos Museum Center, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- The 2025 Marching for Justice exhibit, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the museum’s sculpture court. This extraordinary exhibit showcases over 150 original artifacts, highlighting pivotal moments in Black history—from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to contemporary social justice movements.
- Free MLK Day Lecture featuring Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, 2–3 p.m. A former social studies teacher, Dr. Khalid el-Hakim’s expertise encompasses Black History, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), Implicit Bias, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and Hip Hop Pedagogy. Get free tickets and learn more about the lecture here.
- Building Bridges with Music presents An Evening of Voices to Commemorate Dr. King, City Opera House, 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Featuring The Brazea Dennard Chorale, NMC Chamber Singers and NMC Children’s Choir: Cantus. Learn more and get free tickets to the concert here.
January 30, February 4, 20 & 25: Food for the Soul meals at the Hawk Owl Café. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. (No 4–6 p.m. serving February 20)
Thursday Feb. 6, 4:30–6 p.m.: NMC Library Read-Aloud & Craft Night. Children ages 3–12 are invited to an Embrace the Dream Read Aloud and Craft Night hosted at the library. The books have been selected with an eye for great stories and diverse characters and are written and illustrated by Black authors and artists. In addition to a read-aloud with our volunteers, each child will complete a craft and receive their own copy of the book to keep. Accompanying adults can browse the library collection but should plan on remaining close by in the building. The library is also recruiting volunteers to serve as readers or craft station facilitators, interested folks can sign up here.
For more information visit nmc.edu/embrace-the-dream, which will be updated with more events as they are added.
Jan 14, 2025 | Student Events
Boyne Mountain Resort Awaits! Hit the slopes with NMC’s Ski Club on Friday, January 17! Fuel your evening with free cans of Red Bull (18+) and live music!
The group will meet at the east entrance of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center at 3:45 p.m. and will depart from NMC’s campus at 4 p.m. We’ll leave the resort at midnight. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their lift ticket, which costs around $45-$60 (cheaper if purchased in advance). Drivers will get $25 for fuel if they would like to carpool others.
For more information, contact Dylan Raser at raserd@mail.nmc.edu.
Jan 13, 2025 | Student News
NMC offers open recreation in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building (#16 on the Front Street campus map) on Mondays and Thursdays from 7–10 p.m. as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 6–9 p.m. Join us for basketball, soccer, volleyball, dodgeball, badminton, pickleball, ping pong and more!
All NMC students and employees are welcome. Please bring your NMC ID and clean shoes.
For any questions, please contact mbennett@nmc.edu or cschneider@nmc.edu.
Jan 13, 2025 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
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.
Explore NoMI: Sip, Savor, and Learn
Join us for a one-day bus tour through the picturesque landscapes of Leelanau County. This educational adventure is perfect for community members interested in the local beverage scene. Explore the world of winemaking at a local winery, learn about the intricacies of sparkling wine production, and gain insights into the distillation process at a distillery. Throughout the tour, engage with experts who will discuss sustainable practices, marketing strategies, and the unique qualities of local beverages. Savor a delicious lunch at Black Star Farms Bistro Polaris, celebrating local culture and agriculture. Limited Seats!
Friday, April 25; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Employee price: $130 per person; includes lunch (Public price: $225)
Date Night: Crepes (2 seats left!)
There is nothing more French than a crêpe except, perhaps, Chef Vanessa Grasset at Crêpes and Co. She will share the secret to mixing and making perfectly airy, paper-thin crêpes that elevate everything they enfold. They are quick to prepare and can be served any time of day. Try her French-style crêpe plate and learn to make crêpes with equipment you already have at home. Prepare sweet and savory fillings for a complete crêpe-making experience.
Tuesday, Feb. 11; 6-9 p.m.
Employee price: $46 for two people; includes beverages (Public price: $199)
Meditation: Beginning & Advancing
Need a lunch break reset? Even brief periods of meditation practice can reduce and help heal the effects of stress, balance emotions, boost immune function, and improve overall physical and spiritual well-being. For this livestream class, seated in a chair at home, you will learn meditation techniques and breath exercises.
10 sessions; Wednesday, Jan. 15 – March 19; 12–1 p.m.
Employee price: $25 per person (Public price: $145)
Jan 13, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Marysue Lessner – Facilities Administrative Assistant
- Brianne Munch – Adjunct Art Instructor
- Richard Wolf – Adjunct Culinary Instructor
- Tait Ricks, supplemental – Student Life Office Assistant
- Emma Dyer – Adjunct Certified Flight Instructor
- Robert Grose – Adjunct Welding Instructor
- Krista Hepner – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
- Laura Ford – Adjunct Nursing Instructor
Jan 13, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
How is your DEIB goal completion coming? If you completed your goal, remember to document your learning in the DEIB goal reflection form and send a copy to yourself to use in your spring performance evaluation. Use this form to reflect on your experience (reading or learning event/activity participation). Your feedback will help influence how we incorporate these learning experiences into our goals for 2025–2026.
Congratulations to those of you who have completed their DEIB goal(s) this year. Below are examples of some DEIB team building and engagement events that have occurred.
Images from the Jim Crow Museum tour led by DEIB and EES.
Images from the Jim Crow Museum tour led by DEIB and EES.
Images from the Jim Crow Museum tour led by DEIB and EES.
Educational Technology volunteers for Special Olympics
Want some ideas? Check out the Embrace the Dream calendar and this list of DEIB Learning Opportunities (feel free to add your ideas to this list to encourage others to participate too).
Thanks for participating.
Questions? Contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu or Lori Hodek at lhodek@nmc.edu.
Jan 8, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 1,078 students who made the fall semester Dean’s List, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
Jan 7, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join students at NMC’s updated, expanded 2025 Career & Majors Fair at the Park Place Hotel & Conference Center Thursday, March 6 from 1-6 p.m..
Several hundred students and community members are expected to attend and experience a new, guided pathway format. Employers will be clustered with faculty and staff from NMC’s relevant academic areas to showcase how NMC programs can lead to employment opportunities in northern Michigan. More than 80 employers will be recruiting for all kinds of opportunities, from full time positions to summer internships. (See the list at nmc.edu/careerfair.)
“We expect this format to better serve both employers and attendees,” said Academic and Career Advisor Katie Sommer-Ford. “Prospective and undecided students can better explore their options, while those already on a career path can conveniently find and identify relevant employers.”
The for-credit academic areas attending are:
The Career & Majors Fair will also feature a dedicated space for veterans and military members offering services such as resume review, as well as information from NMC’s Financial Aid and Extended Education and Training (noncredit) offices. It is free to attend. Transportation aboard BATA’s Bayliner is available free of charge.
The event is presented in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest. and sponsored by Tentcraft, North Arrow ABA Services, Park Place Hotel, World Magnetics. Highpoint, Vanenkevort Tug & Barge Inc., Fox Motors-Fox Grand Traverse, Grand Traverse Plastics Corp, Truly Free Inc. UA Local 85 Plumbers, Steamfitters, HVACR Technicians, Aflac and Molon Excavating & Asphalt. Find out more at nmc.edu/career-fair.
Release date: FEBRUARY 17, 2025
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-discrimination
Jan 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Versiti Blood is having another blood drive in the big pink bus on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Versiti is hoping to get at least 18 donors this time around as their donations drop significantly over winter. Every eligible donation will get a $10 e-gift card!
Make sure you eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. You can call 1-866-642-5663 or go here to register for an appointment. Feel good about helping your fellow friend and get a small reward as well! Thank you for your time and donation!
Jan 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC Campus Life will host an ice skating event Saturday, Jan. 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center’s Howe Arena (1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI). For more details, contact Marcus Bennett at (231) 995-1401 or mbennett@nmc.edu, or CJ Schneider at cschneider@nmc.edu.
Must present a valid NMC ID to participate. This event is free to all current NMC employees and students.
This event is sponsored by NMC Residence Life and Campus Life. Refreshments provided by NMC student groups Ratio Christ, His House, and Multicultural Club.
Jan 6, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Jan 6, 2025 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
- Lexi Galla – Foundation Operations & Advancement Manager
- Marianne Dages – Library Services Specialist
- James Furstenberg – Adjunct CIT
- Tim Young – Adjunct CIT
- Miranda Tomczak – Adjunct Clinical Nursing
Jan 6, 2025 | 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.
North Ed Career Tech’s health sciences wins MDE Engaging Instruction award
TV 9 & 10, Dec. 19 (more…)
Jan 6, 2025 | EES Opportunities, Intercom
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.
Strength & Stretch Hour of EmPOWERment
New! This fun and lively class is designed to empower you from the inside out, as it encompasses everything from asana (postures), vinyasa (transition flows), and pranayama (breath work), coupled with additional elements of functional strength and mobility, concluding with stretching. Come share your practice during this playfully powerful class that will invigorate and build resilience, grace, and grit enhancing your ability to improve overall strength, flexibility, and balance.
11 sessions; Wednesdays, January 8 – March 19; 5:45 – 6:45p
Employee Price: $22 per person (public price $175)
Weight Strengthening
Aerobic exercise is not enough to keep the body well-conditioned; research shows the need for the addition of weekly weight strengthening. We will focus on all major muscle groups resulting in increased strength, better posture, greater mobility, improved metabolism, and a slowing of the development of osteoporosis. All levels welcome.
27 sessions; Tues. & Thurs., Jan. 9 – April 17; 7-8 a.m.
Employee price: $46 per person (public price: $359)
Learn Together: Make a Rain Chain
Embark on a collaborative journey into the world of metalworking with our introductory course designed for two. Ignite your imagination and hone your skills as you work together to create a stunning rain chain. This 2-day workshop is perfect for beginners and intermediate students alike.
2 sessions; Friday & Saturday, January 31 & February 1; 5-8p (Fri) & 8a-2p (Sat)
Employee Price: $100 for two people (public price $449)
Jan 2, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates
Dear colleagues:
Following are our institutional priorities for professional development for 2025-2026.
It is encouraged to link your sabbatical and professional development leave proposals to one or more of the college strategies and/or the college mission.
Faculty Sabbatical Leave Requests – Faculty must submit endorsed requests electronically to the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE) by January 31, 2025. Endorsements required: three peers and the appropriate academic chair. The application form can be found here.
The CIE board will evaluate and approve applications using the criteria laid out in the guidelines. CIE will make its decision no later than February 28. CIE-approved applications go to the VP for Educational Services and the college President for final approval. CIE forwards the applications to the Vice President for Educational Services for prioritization by ESIMT. The Vice President of Educational Services will then make a recommendation to the President no later than March 1, 2025.
Staff Sabbatical Leave – Salaried staff must submit endorsed requests to Hollie DeWalt, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, by January 31, 2025. Endorsement required: appropriate executive staff officer.
The Associate Vice President of Human Resources will review staff applications in consultation with executive staff by March 1, 2025, and make a recommendation to the President.
Professional Development Project and Leave Requests – Faculty and staff requests should be reviewed as a part of annual goal planning. For both faculty and staff, professional development activities may only be approved as funds are available and budgeted for this purpose.
For more information regarding sabbatical and professional development policies and procedures see Staff HR Policies D-753.00, D-753.01, and D-753.02, and Faculty Chair and Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Any additional questions can be addressed to Human Resources (ext. 5-2612) or the Center for Instructional Excellence (ext. 5-1046).
Additional Resources:
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Dec 20, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them!
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Dec 20, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Marina Call. Back in September, Marina found a lost rental book in the Osterlin Building and returned it to the bookstore. Today, the student called to report it missing and pay the restocking fee, but was thrilled to find out that his lost book had already been returned by Marina.
Kudos to Nicole Wenstrup, Duane Dodge, Dan Isola, Alex Lane, Tom Auch and John Walker. A huge thank you and hats off to the Testing Center team for helping students get through finals week! The team exhibited patience, flexibility, and true collaboration as they navigated a snow day in the midst of the busiest time of the academic year. While the Testing Center in the Osterlin Building typically sees 200 tests on the busiest day of finals, last Friday they welcomed over 300 students! The team also opened the PTC on Friday and OTC on Saturday for extra hours to accommodate student and faculty needs. Thank you to Nicole and all of the test proctors (Alex, Duane, Tom, Dan and John) for your dedication to our students!
Kudos to Residence Life Team. At the end of a long semester, the Residence Life team went above and beyond to help students by keeping the halls open through Saturday and Sunday. Last week’s snow day in the midst of final exams threw students, faculty and staff for a loop and the incredible leaders in Res. Life adapted! Thank you to Marcus, Kaitlyn, Brooklyn, Corbin, CJ and all of the RAs who courageously extended their time in the halls to meet students’ needs.
Kudos to Nicole Wenstrup and Lindsey Dickinson. Nicole just started her role as the Testing Center Specialist and navigated exam week with the dreaded snow day expertly! Both her and Lindsey were instrumental in helping students and proctors have a smooth and successful experience.
Kudos to our food pantry volunteers. Over the past seven years, the NMC Food Pantry has been a vital resource for students, providing countless meals with dignity and convenience while navigating numerous logistical challenges. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our students!
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!
Dec 20, 2024 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Garrett Croon – Campus Safety Coordinator
Dec 20, 2024 | Intercom, International Affairs Forum, Student News
Dick Grout, one of the founding members of the International Affairs Forum, passed away on December 19 at the age of 104.
The Record-Eagle published a retrospective on his life and accomplishments (a PDF-friendly version of the article can be found here). Additional information about his valorous D-Day service is available on the International Affairs Forum’s website.
Dec 18, 2024 | Intercom, Student News
December 18, 2024
For two more weeks, 21- to 24-year-olds can join the 325 NMC students who already have saved more than $750,000 in tuition through Michigan Reconnect.
Dec. 31 is the deadline for that age group to apply for Reconnect, which offers free in-district tuition to adults who don’t already have a college degree. They can start in spring or summer 2025 semesters, and continue to receive the scholarship until they complete. But Jan. 1, Reconnect eligibility reverts to ages 25 and up.
Current Reconnect student Mitchell Mosley (right) urged eligible students not to let that window of opportunity close.
“If it’s even on your mind, you might as well put the application in. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s responsive,” said Mosley, 27, who stepped back in an NMC classroom this fall for the first time in eight years. In the interim he discovered his lack of a degree hindered his job advancement. Now he has a drive he didn’t have before.
“I really want it now. I want to be educated,” said Mosley. In just one semester he said he’s learned business math skills, like paying payroll taxes, that will help him better run his business, Swabbies, a yacht cleaning business, but also self-discipline and collaboration skills.
Combining the credits he earned at NMc after high school graduation in 2015 plus others from an Oregon community college, he’ll only need to attend for a year before earning his associate degree in business next year.
“Education is bigger than a diploma. There’s a lot more to it,” said Mosley, who has organized study groups for his classes, and attended on-campus and professional events like the regional Economic Summit (pictured).
“I want more out of life and NMc has kind of helped me,” he said, adding he plans to continue his studies.
“It won’t end here, I can promise you that,” he said.
Students 21 to 24 can start their journey to a tuition-free degree at NMc by applying online by Dec 31. They must have lived in Michigan for at least a year and not have previously earned a degree. They can start classes in spring or summer 2025 semesters. Reconnect eligibility continues until the degree is completed, as long as requirements are met.
Dec 17, 2024 | Intercom
Thank you to those who were able to join us for this month’s virtual connection time the morning of Friday, Dec. 13. If you were unable to attend or would like to review the meeting, a recording is available here.
The purpose of the virtual connections is to create a constructive connection time for employees between campuses. Departmental updates are shared, as well as upcoming events and important reminders.
The sessions don’t typically last for an entire hour, but there is time for questions and future topic suggestions. If you have questions to submit in advance of future virtual connections, please send them to lmoritz@nmc.edu.
Dec 16, 2024 | Intercom
The Board of Trustees Fellows Nominating Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 in the President’s Office Conference Room in the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus. The Audit Committee will meet at 11 a.m. in the same place. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Dec 16, 2024 | 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.
Cheers: Aviation donors
Record-Eagle, Dec. 14 (more…)
Dec 16, 2024 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom
Thanks to Human Resources and the Holiday Party Committee for planning the 2024 holiday party this past Friday. A festive time was had by all!
The Food Services Front of House team won the gingerbread house contest.
The coveted Rudolph trophy went to Aviation for their submission.
Kyle Morrison was awarded a medal for funniest ugly sweater as both the runner up and individual winner.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
