Nexus - The Northwestern Michigan College Magazine - Summer 2020 by Northwestern Michigan College

SUMMER 2020

NEXUS COLLEGE WORKS TO REOPEN, RE-ENGAGE, REIMAGINE

EDITOR’S NOTE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Aerial View: New Kid in the Harbor

.NEXUS.

Letter from the President

Notes & Notables

Dualie Profile: Georgia Bolek, Traverse City West

FEATURE Forward Together 11 Pandemic 101: 12 Making Virtual More Valuable 13 Embedded Ethics 16 By the Numbers

Alumni notes and updates may be submitted at nmc.edu/alumni or e-mail alumni@nmc.edu. For correspondence and address updates: 1701 E. Front St. Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) 995-1021

NMC BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chris M. Bott, Chair Rachel A. Johnson, Vice Chair Michael Estes, Secretary Jane T. McNabb, Treasurer Douglas S. Bishop K. Ross Childs Kennard R. Weaver

NMC PRESIDENT

As the lockdowns continued, so did the living arrangements, and the housemates by happenstance became firm friends. Blackford introduced Frankham to up north traditions like camping and morel hunting. Frankham cooked shepherd’s pie and provided tech tips to Blackford as both finished the spring semester online.

Nick Nissley, Ed.D.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Cari Noga EDITOR AND WRITER Diana Fairbanks EDITOR Deb Fellows EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Gail Snable ART DIRECTOR Meg Young PHOTOGRAPHER,

TAKEAWAYS

Nexus is published two times a year by the NMC Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications and designed and printed by MyNorth Media.

SARAH FRANKHAM AND LISA BLACKFORD

THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE

My NMC: Educational Technologies

From Our Kitchens: Chef Randy Minish and Shana Minish, Terrain

FEATURE Ready. Set. Innovate.

Alumni Notes

Get Social

* Some of the photos in this issue were taken pre-COVID, before the need to adhere to safety guidelines.

“She made quarantine livable for me,” Blackford said.

BRAND CONSULTANT

We’re all going to be living with COVID for some time to come. Unquestionably, it’s inflicted a heavy toll. Still, as you read this issue, consider how your best self might yet emerge. N

Andy Wakeman, PHOTOGRAPHER Carl Rocheleau, PHOTOGRAPHER

MyNorth Produced by MyNorth Media. 125 Park St., Suite 155, Traverse City, MI 49684. 231.941.8174. mynorth.com

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WEST HALL INNOVATION CENTER, SOUTH SIDE.

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

EDITOR’S NOTE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Alumni notes and updates may be submitted at nmc.edu/alumni or e-mail alumni@nmc.edu. For correspondence and address updates: 1701 E. Front St. Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) 995-1021

NMC BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chris M. Bott, Chair Rachel A. Johnson, Vice Chair Michael Estes, Secretary Jane T. McNabb, Treasurer Douglas S. Bishop K. Ross Childs Kennard R. Weaver

NMC PRESIDENT Nick Nissley, Ed.D.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Cari Noga EDITOR AND WRITER Diana Fairbanks EDITOR Deb Fellows EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Gail Snable ART DIRECTOR Meg Young PHOTOGRAPHER, BRAND CONSULTANT

Andy Wakeman, PHOTOGRAPHER Carl Rocheleau, PHOTOGRAPHER

Living through a pandemic has been strange, sudden and scary. But sometimes that’s just what it takes for our best selves to emerge. Take NMC instructor Lisa Blackford and student Sarah Frankham, above. Frankham (left) from Bath, England, got sick just as Michigan began locking down in midMarch. It wasn’t COVID-19, but a pretty bad flu. At the time, she was living with a local family with children. Wanting to limit the exposure to others, Blackford invited Frankham, a student in her social work class, to move into her home. As the lockdowns continued, so did the living arrangements, and the housemates by happenstance became firm friends. Blackford introduced Frankham to up north traditions like camping and morel hunting. Frankham cooked shepherd’s pie and provided tech tips to Blackford as both finished the spring semester online. “She made quarantine livable for me,” Blackford said.

Aerial View: New Kid in the Harbor

Letter from the President

Notes & Notables

Dualie Profile: Georgia Bolek, Traverse City West

FEATURE Forward Together 11 Pandemic 101: 12 Making Virtual More Valuable 13 Embedded Ethics 16 By the Numbers

TAKEAWAYS

Nexus is published two times a year by the NMC Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications and designed and printed by MyNorth Media.

SARAH FRANKHAM AND LISA BLACKFORD

THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE

My NMC: Educational Technologies

From Our Kitchens: Chef Randy Minish and Shana Minish, Terrain

FEATURE Ready. Set. Innovate.

Alumni Notes

Get Social

* Some of the photos in this issue were taken pre-COVID, before the need to adhere to safety guidelines.

The Periodic Tableof the Elements BC

We’re all going to be living with COVID for some time to come. Unquestionably, it’s inflicted a heavy toll. Still, as you read this issue, consider how your best self might yet emerge. N

NOF

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8 Produced by MyNorth Media. 125 Park St., Suite 155, Traverse City, MI 49684. 231.941.8174. mynorth.com

WEST HALL INNOVATION CENTER, SOUTH SIDE.

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NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

AERIAL VIEW

NEW KID IN THE HARBOR June 1, the tugboat Mississippi was welcomed into its new home in NMC’s Great Lakes campus harbor. The vessel joins the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s fleet on a leased basis, increasing cadet options for completing sea time requirements as well as the credentials they receive at graduation, said Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach, on pier. Deck cadets can now earn an additional towing endorsement on their maritime license, substantially increasing post-graduation employment options. The tug will also allow both deck and engine cadets to earn sea time in shorter increments and maintain cadet access to a vessel while the training ship State of Michigan is out on its longer cruises. GLMA graduates earn the nation’s only bachelor’s degree in maritime technology, and an unlimited tonnage/ horsepower merchant marine license. N Find out more at nmc.edu/maritime.

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NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

AERIAL VIEW

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

NOTES & NOTABLES

BILL MARSH JR.

AS PART OF LISTENING AND LEARNING ABOUT THE REGION NMC SERVES, PRESIDENT NISSLEY, RIGHT, VISITED TRAVERSE CITY START-UP PROMETHIENT THIS SUMMER. ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE JORDAN COLVIN, MIDDLE, SHOWS HOW NMC CAN SERVE AS A TALENT AGENCY FOR THE REGIONAL ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSPHERE.

HELLO NMC FAMILY, BOTH NEAR AND FAR! What an incredible period in our shared history to be joining Northwestern Michigan College! It was just about a year ago that I had the privilege of visiting our campus for the first time to interview and meet with many of you on the path to become the president of NMC. I could see then how truly special this college is. Many of you told me that NMC is not only a community college, but our community’s college. I felt the sense of NICK NISSLEY, PRESIDENT pride and co-ownership of this unique institution in every person I met. While many things in the world around us have changed over the course of the last year, that NMC pride is proving to be not only steadfast, but, I believe, growing stronger with every passing day. I could not be prouder to be part of this NMC family, at this time. In these first few months as president I have seen our employees, students and community supporters consistently demonstrate courageous creativity and compassion as we have faced once -in-a-lifetime challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goals from the start have been to work to keep our students and employees safe, while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible and remaining fiscally responsible. Since the spring I have also prioritized the 4R’s framework of Refocusing,

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Reopening, Reimagining/Re-engaging and Righting the ship as a way to guide us through this unprecedented time. I am proud to say our college is not only surviving, but thriving as a result. We pivoted to online learning in record time and then safely and planfully began to reopen to meet the needs of our learners, all while having a balanced budget and no tuition increase for next year. Due to the hard work of our employees, the determination of our students, and the dedication of our community, we are accomplishing great things and you will read many examples in the pages of this magazine. In January, as I embarked upon my leadership journey at NMC, the Board of Trustees tasked me with the priorities of listening and learning, building relationships and maintaining the momentum. While no one could have predicted a pandemic would sweep across the globe just two and a half months after I started that work, I have been inspired by the people I have met to not only meet those responsibilities, but increase my efforts in those areas. I feel it is my responsibility, and my calling, to be our college’s Chief Storyteller. It is also one of my greatest joys. I hope you are as inspired by the stories you will read on the following pages as I am to meet the people keeping our college community strong and vibrant as we look toward the future. I also look forward to meeting with you, when it is safe for us all to join together again. In the meantime, thank you for being part of our NMC family. N

ROBERTA TEAHEN

MARSH, TEAHEN RECEIVE COLLEGE’S HIGHEST HONOR

DANI VALENTINE

NMC Foundation Board member Bill Marsh Jr. and longtime college administrator Roberta Teahen, both of Traverse City, have been named NMC’s 2020 Fellows.

RECORD $1.33 MILLION IN NMC SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Marsh joined the Foundation Board in 2010 and served as chair from 2016-2018. A partner with his brothers in the Bill Marsh Auto Group, a multi-franchise dealership group with more than 300 employees, he deploys his skills and enthusiasm as a leader, networker and advocate for the college. He and his wife Debbie, both personally and through the Bill Marsh Auto Group, have donated to NMC for more than 25 years. Teahen dedicated more than 30 years of her professional life to NMC in roles ranging from business faculty member to academic chair to director and dean. After NMC she continued her career at Ferris State University, where she served as Associate Provost and founded and still serves as director of the doctorate in Community College Leadership program.

Scholarship dollars and scholarship recipients both hit records in the 2019-20 academic year, another example of NMC’s commitment to break down barriers to education, including financial. As of July 16, the college had awarded $1.33 million in scholarships to 1,130 recipients for the 2019-20 school year. That’s a 16 percent increase in dollars awarded and a whopping 71 percent increase in recipients. In 2018-19 the college awarded $1.14 million to 662 recipients. NMC Director of Financial Aid, Linda Berlin, said the increase is the result of process enhancements undertaken to encourage more scholarship applications.

Teahen’s own education path started at what is now St. Clair Community College and culminated in 2010 when she earned a PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University.

Recipient Dani Valentine, 26, is in her second semester at NMC. She’s received three scholarships totalling $2,000. After earning her associate’s degree at NMC, Valentine plans to complete her bachelor’s through NMC’s University Center, and then complete a graduate degree in optometry at Ferris State.

The Fellow award has been bestowed annually since 1964. ➤ See a list of past recipients: nmc.edu/fellows

“It’s definitely a long road, but because of scholarships I feel like I can do this,” Valentine said.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED The new, 12-member team will serve the President’s Council in an advisory capacity, responsible for advising, supporting, and advocating for efforts to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion at NMC.

Co-chaired by Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Mark Liebling, and Dean of Students, Lisa Thomas, the team includes four employees of color. Committed to progress and

communication, the whole committee will meet at least twice a month to develop initiatives to drive the team to achieve tangible results.

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

NOTES & NOTABLES

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BILL MARSH JR.

MARSH, TEAHEN RECEIVE COLLEGE’S HIGHEST HONOR

In these first few months as president I have seen our employees, students and community supporters consistently demonstrate courageous creativity and compassion as we have faced once -in-a-lifetime challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goals from the start have been to work to keep our students and employees safe, while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible and remaining fiscally responsible. Since the spring I have also prioritized the 4R’s framework of Refocusing,

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

DANI VALENTINE

NMC Foundation Board member Bill Marsh Jr. and longtime college administrator Roberta Teahen, both of Traverse City, have been named NMC’s 2020 Fellows.

ROBERTA TEAHEN

Teahen dedicated more than 30 years of her professional life to NMC in roles ranging from business faculty member to academic chair to director and dean. After NMC she continued her career at Ferris State University, where she served as Associate Provost and founded and still serves as director of the doctorate in Community College Leadership program.

RECORD $1.33 MILLION IN NMC SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Scholarship dollars and scholarship recipients both hit records in the 2019-20 academic year, another example of NMC’s commitment to break down barriers to education, including financial. As of July 16, the college had awarded $1.33 million in scholarships to 1,130 recipients for the 2019-20 school year. That’s a 16 percent increase in dollars awarded and a whopping 71 percent increase in recipients. In 2018-19 the college awarded $1.14 million to 662 recipients. NMC Director of Financial Aid, Linda Berlin, said the increase is the result of process enhancements undertaken to encourage more scholarship applications.

Teahen’s own education path started at what is now St. Clair Community College and culminated in 2010 when she earned a PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University.

The Fellow award has been bestowed annually since 1964. ➤ See a list of past recipients: nmc.edu/fellows

“It’s definitely a long road, but because of scholarships I feel like I can do this,” Valentine said.

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Co-chaired by Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Mark Liebling, and Dean of Students, Lisa Thomas, the team includes four employees of color. Committed to progress and

communication, the whole committee will meet at least twice a month to develop initiatives to drive the team to achieve tangible results.

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NOTES & NOTABLES

GLCI NO. 8 IN NEW, NATIONAL EARNINGS-TO-DEBT RANKINGS NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute has been ranked the No. 8 culinary program in the nation by GradReports in a first-of-its-kind ranking based on median early career salary data from the U.S. Department of Education. “We’ve always known GLCI offered a fantastic value proposition to our students,” said Culinary Institute director Les Eckert. “It’s gratifying to see that validated by these national rankings.” GradReports rankings are the first to incorporate the Department of Education's recently-released College Scorecard data on median alumni salary and median alumni debt by college major.

MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY FEATURES NMC Marine Technology students were featured on the cover of the May/June 2020 issue of Marine Technology Society Journal: The International, Interdisciplinary Society Devoted to Ocean and Marine Engineering, Science, and Policy, the publication of the Marine Technology Society. The issue was dedicated to the Lakebed 2030 conference hosted by NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute and the MTS in fall of 2019. Institute Director Hans Van Sumeren served as guest editor.

GLCI students benefit from A Taste of Success, the program’s largest fundraiser. The 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but still raised more than $100,000.

DENNOS RECEIVES $40,000 IN COVID GRANTS The Dennos Museum Center has received two $20,000 grants from Art Bridges, an Arkansas-based foundation that is the vision of arts patron Alice Walton. The first grant supported virtual programming, collections care, and reopening efforts. The second grant is in support of enhanced museum store operation, marketing initiatives, and museum reopening amidst COVID-19. The Dennos re-opened to the public July 1 and is open from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. As a foundation, Art Bridges creates and supports programs that expand access to American art in all regions across the nation. Earlier this year it launched a special funding initiative entitled “The Bridge Ahead Initiative,” to recognize the unprecedented financial challenges resulting from the pandemic and museum closures

REMEMBERING JIM BECKETT, 1922-2020 NMC EARNS GOLD-LEVEL DISTINCTION FOR SERVICE TO VETERANS For the third year in a row, NMC received the top Veteran-Friendly designation by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, awarded for the 2019–2020 academic year. To earn the gold designation, an institution must meet at least six of seven criteria. NMC met all seven, which included having an active student veteran organization, veteran-specific career services, and a system to evaluate and award academic

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credit based on prior military training and experience Scott Herzberg, POC, Military & Veteran Services, credited the broader NMC campus community for the distinction. “This standard of excellence is a reflection of their endless contributions that reach far beyond my efforts,” Herzberg said. ➤ Find out more: nmc.edu/veterans

James J. Beckett, among NMC’s staunchest, most long-lived advocates, died May 29 at the age of 97. Beckett became an NMC trustee in 1962 and served in that role for 34 years, chairing countless committees and launching many new projects, from a physical education space in the 1960s to the University Center in the 1990s. The James J. Beckett Building on main campus is named in his honor and he received the college’s highest honor, the NMC Fellow award.

His service was not limited to the college. He served the entire Traverse City community as a Rotary member for 68 years and Chamber of Commerce president. Beckett and his late wife Dorothy also found joy in supporting NMC students through the creation of an endowed scholarship and by giving generously to the college every year.

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NOTES & NOTABLES

NOTES & NOTABLES ~

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GLCI students benefit from A Taste of Success, the program’s largest fundraiser. The 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but still raised more than $100,000.

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DUALIE PROFILE

TRUE CHEMISTRY

Early College and dual-enrollment are both options that help high school students get a head start earning college credits and saving money. Find out more at nmc.edu/admissions/high-school-services

INSET: GEORGIA BOLEK AND CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR MARY JO ELLIOTT IN FRONT OF THE PERIODIC TABLE. BOLEK IS POINTING TO HYDROGEN AND ELLIOTT TO BORON, THE TWO ELEMENTS BOLEK STUDIED DURING HER INTERNSHIP. LARGE PHOTO: BOLEK AND HER GRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISOR TRACY MATTOX, RIGHT, WORK IN THE BERKELEY LAB.

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Science detour helped Early College student find a career path passion Early College student Georgia Bolek always liked math and science. She thought a health science career would suit her, and picked biology. But after two internships in high school, it was clear bio and she were not meant to be.

“That was amazing,” Bolek said. “Being a researcher, that seemed so out of reach. I had no idea how to do that, didn’t know anything about graduate school. Doing this internship was a great way to see what’s possible.”

“Having real-world experiences is really different than in the classroom,” said Bolek, 19. “I thought, maybe I should try different things (but) I didn’t know where to go.”

Along the way to that realization, Bolek also had to temporarily evacuate during the Kincade wildfire, saw Yosemite National Park and the Pacific Ocean, and presented her research findings to peers.

She took a chance on NMC chemistry instructor Mary Jo Elliott’s classroom. There she found, well, chemistry. After seeing Bolek’s talent and work ethic, Elliott recommended that Bolek apply for a community college internship at a Department of Energy lab.

“When I was in California I got to grow up a little bit,” Bolek said.

“She’s a super hard worker,” Elliott said. “She just rocked it.” Bolek was selected for the internship and spent the fall 2019 semester at DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, a research lab managed by the University of California-Berkeley. Among Berkeley scientists’ accomplishments: Winning 13 Nobel prizes; discovering 16 elements, one of which is now widely used in smoke detectors; and pioneering medical imaging technology like MRIs. It was intimidating at first, especially since Bolek was the youngest intern and the only one from a community college. But she flourished under the mentorship of two fellow female scientists.

In her research, she studied hydrogen storage for renewable energy and clean energy applications. While the Lab set the objective, it was up to Bolek to come up with a plan. She worked with both hydrogen and boron and titled her final paper, “Developing Borohydrides for Hydrogen Storage Applications." As an Early College student, Bolek graduated with both her Traverse City West High School diploma and NMC associate’s degree this spring, landing on the Dean’s List, as well. She plans to stay in Michigan to finish her undergraduate education, and is looking for chemistry programs with research internships. She credits Elliott’s class for starting her down the new road. “I loved my chemistry class with Mary Jo,” Bolek said. “That really sparked my interest. Being able to go to the lab helped cement that I want a career in this.” “I’m so glad I could help,” said Elliott. “Nothing makes me happier.” N

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

DUALIE PROFILE

TRUE CHEMISTRY

Early College and dual-enrollment are both options that help high school students get a head start earning college credits and saving money. Find out more at nmc.edu/admissions/high-school-services

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

“Having real-world experiences is really different than in the classroom,” said Bolek, 19. “I thought, maybe I should try different things (but) I didn’t know where to go.”

Along the way to that realization, Bolek also had to temporarily evacuate during the Kincade wildfire, saw Yosemite National Park and the Pacific Ocean, and presented her research findings to peers.

“When I was in California I got to grow up a little bit,” Bolek said.

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

ALUMNI TRAVELED TO WORK AS NURSES IN NEW YORK CITY

NMC ALUMNI KARISSA HAVENS, ABOVE, AND CALLIE LEAMAN, RIGHT, WORKED TEMPORARILY IN NEW YORK CITY HOSPITALS LAST SPRING.

PANDEMIC 101

NURSING STUDENTS LEARN INVALUABLE LESSONS FROM INSTRUCTOR ON FRONT LINES Sedated, ventilated, critically weakened, isolated.

Values guide NMC's plan to stay safe while learning, teaching and working continue during historic crisis

Six months after the coronavirus first appeared in Michigan, abruptly closing campuses halfway through spring semester and shifting most classes online, the unprecedented public health and economic challenge continues to impact almost every facet of life. President Nick Nissley has called for NMC to refocus, reopen, reimagine/re-engage and right the ship of the college enterprise. To that end, the fall semester plan offers four class formats, three of which incorporate online instruction. In all academic programs and college operations, safety and flexibility is emphasized. What hasn’t changed are NMC’s values, including keeping learning at the center, striving for innovation, practicing responsible stewardship and collaborating with regional partners on behalf of our communities. Emerging values including compassion and courageous creativity. You’ll see all of those values in the stories collected here, and as the college continues to heed its mission of offering lifelong learning opportunities to our communities, even amid a pandemic. ➤

That’s the typical patient NMC nursing alumna and adjunct instructor Callie Leaman cared for in New York City last spring, simultaneously providing a frontrow seat to the pandemic to her students back in Traverse City. A 2015 NMC nursing graduate, Leaman worked for five weeks in the U.S. epidemic’s original epicenter. She arrived at a COVID-19 ICU at New York University’s Langone Health in midtown Manhattan in early April. (Fellow NMC alumna Karissa Havens, above left, worked in a similar unit at Mount Sinai Hospital uptown.) Just as New York's crisis peaked, spring semester entered its homestretch. “Her teaching from New York gave me an experience that very few other nursing students will ever have,” said student Billi Potter. “Although I’m sure she was quite busy in New York, that didn’t stop her from continuing to mentor and inspire me and her other students.” Like all other NMC faculty after the pandemic forced face-to-face classes to shift online, Leaman conducted her class remotely using videoconferencing. Faculty colleague Tami Livengood assisted by running virtual simulations locally. Student Laine Otto admired Leaman’s decision to join New York’s fight even

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with a husband and two young children at home. “She put herself at risk without even thinking twice. She worked on the frontline of a global pandemic when there is a shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) and the risks are high,” Otto said. “I truly admire her and all of the other nurses that have selflessly done the same thing.“ Leaman, 32, said she was learning, too, translating her experience as an on-call ER nurse at Munson to one of the hastilytransformed ICU units in New York. “Even an ICU nurse would struggle a little bit,” Leaman said, citing the severity of her patients’ condition. While COVID-19 is considered a respiratory condition, “this is much more of a complex illness,” she said. “We’re supporting their respiratory, with the ventilators, but they’re having blood clots, their organs are failing, there’s all these biomarkers that are super elevated.” The shortage of healthcare providers meant she had to do multiple jobs. At Munson, for instance, Leaman was used to having a respiratory therapist control the ventilators. In New York, that fell to nurses. “They came around about once a shift just to check everything,” Leaman said of the respiratory therapists. “We had dermatology physicians on the COVID team. It was insane.”

Nurses were also tasked with providing a human connection to isolated patients. “Most people had been in the hospital a month, without any family. We were the only people they got to interact with,” Leaman said. “It’s so hard and it’s hard to see.” Those lessons came through the Zoom camera to her NMC students loud and clear. “I learned just how demanding a profession in nursing can be. I also learned how truly dedicated nurses can be,” Otto said. Besides her nursing and teaching duties, Leaman kept up with her own studying. She finished her nurse practitioner degree from the University of Michigan-Flint in July. A 2006 Traverse City West High School graduate, Leaman said she went to New York because of a “strong connection” to the city, which she had visited several times. “It’s the energy. I love the energy here. Anybody can be whoever they want to be. Nobody judges here.” Leaman’s students, however, are clear on their judgment. “I couldn’t have been taught a better example of selfless service and utmost caring from a nurse,” Potter said. N

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

ALUMNI TRAVELED TO WORK AS NURSES IN NEW YORK CITY

NMC ALUMNI KARISSA HAVENS, ABOVE, AND CALLIE LEAMAN, RIGHT, WORKED TEMPORARILY IN NEW YORK CITY HOSPITALS LAST SPRING.

PANDEMIC 101

NURSING STUDENTS LEARN INVALUABLE LESSONS FROM INSTRUCTOR ON FRONT LINES Sedated, ventilated, critically weakened, isolated.

Values guide NMC's plan to stay safe while learning, teaching and working continue during historic crisis

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NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

MAC BEEKER, LEFT, WITH STUDENTS.

MAKING VIRTUAL MORE VALUABLE NMC LEADS IN EFFECTIVE ONLINE INSTRUCTION Math instructor Steve Drake has 55 years of experience standing in front of a classroom, but the spring 2020 semester threw even NMC’s most senior faculty member a curveball.

instructional designer Ryan Bernstein, who co-teaches the course with DeLonge. “A lot of schools are scrambling to get training in place. We’ve had it for a long time.”

“It’s all been face-to-face until spring semester,” said Drake, 78.

As part of the ramp-up, they deputized four faculty members with online instruction experience to help deliver Teaching Solutions this summer: Janet Lively in communications, Scott Powell in maritime, Tricia Lincoln in fine arts and Sarah Montgomery-Richards in social sciences.

Nevertheless, he was game for the challenge of teaching college algebra and calculus 3 online. He got a few essential tips on using Moodle, NMC’s online learning system, from instructional technology specialist Mark DeLonge, and dove in. “I got through it. It was a brand-new experience. I learned a lot myself,” said Drake, who was pleasantly surprised to note more students did their homework than he sees in his face-to-face classes.

Math instructor Steve Drake was among many faculty who spent the summer working to improve their online instruction.

FACULTY AND STAFF ENROLLED IN NMC TEACHING SOLUTIONS COURSE TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS IN ONLINE INSTRUCTION

Find out more about NMC’s fall class format options at nmc.edu/fall-formats

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With online instruction a key component of NMC’s fall semester plan, the two-time winner of NMC’s Faculty Excellence award used the summer to improve. Drake is among more than 100 faculty members who enrolled in Teaching Solutions this summer, an NMC professional development course focused on best practices in online instruction, which is incorporated into three out of the four course formats NMC is offering this fall. “We’re going to be relying heavily on online for the vast majority of our classes. This virus problem is going to continue,” Drake said. “So I’m prepared.” Teaching Solutions has been around for 10 years and usually draws lower enrollment —just eight instructors in 2019. Simply having the course available, however, puts NMC ahead of many colleges. ”We had to ramp up and scale up the effort, (but) thankfully the whole structure of the course was in place,” said

EMBEDDED ETHICS MARK DELONGE

All straightforward, fundamental lessons and skills for NMC nursing students. But how to ration personal protective equipment (PPE)? Which patient gets the ventilator if there weren’t enough to go around?

RYAN BERNSTEIN

Teaching Solutions merges content, in which faculty are the experts; technology, DeLonge and Bernstein’s specialty; and pedagogy, or teaching methods. “It’s a collaboration,” Bernstein said. In addition to first-timers like Drake, many past Teaching Solutions faculty participants re-enrolled this summer, in order to convert additional courses. N

That’s what Teaching Solutions is designed to do. As a capstone project, participants create a course in the Moodle system that is assessed against 20 criteria including delivery and instruction, assessment and feedback and technology and learner support. “Teaching online is different. Content might be the same, but we have to adjust or create new ways to deliver content,” DeLonge said. “We can’t just recreate what (instructors) do face to face.”

How to insert an IV. How to record vital signs. How to safely administer medications.

I commend the NMC staff members for their work in switching over to online coursework only. I feel like my student's education is progressing well. — Parent, Suzanne Shoemaker

So far, northern Michigan has seen a modest number of COVID-19 cases. When the pandemic started back in early spring, however, the outlook was much more dire. It falls to the Bioethics Resource Committee to hold up what Beeker calls “an ethical lens” to Munson policies and processes on allocating potentially scarce resources. That’s everything from COVID19 tests to PPE like gloves, masks and ventilators to hospital rooms. Even the human resources of staff, which include many NMC nursing alumni. “We’re not used to, in this country, having limited resources. Not from a healthcare

standpoint,” Beeker said. “All these things put us into the very challenging ethical territory of distributive justice. How do we use what we have to do the most good for the most people?” Fortunately, Munson did not have to veer into that territory last spring. But they may still, with no available vaccine and the possibility of successive waves of COVID. “When resources become scarce, the question is how do we change? We need to act differently,” said Beeker. “It would be irresponsible of the facility not to address this proactively. I’m proud of the work Munson has done to be responsible to the community we serve.” The 2017 winner of NMC’s Imogene Wise Faculty Excellence award, Beeker noted that ethical decisions at Munson have a direct impact on NMC nursing alumni. “A lot of our graduates are front line working with COVID patients. The relationship between NMC and Munson doesn’t end at graduation.” (Munson just named a 2002 NMC nursing graduate, Tamara Putney, as Chief Nursing Officer. See p. 23.) Beeker said he considers himself a bridge between the hospital and NMC in terms of how ethics influence nurses’ professional conduct. “I get to bring that experience directly from Munson,” he said. “That’s stunningly rewarding. It makes me such a better teacher for NMC students.” N

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

MAC BEEKER, LEFT, WITH STUDENTS.

instructional designer Ryan Bernstein, who co-teaches the course with DeLonge. “A lot of schools are scrambling to get training in place. We’ve had it for a long time.”

“It’s all been face-to-face until spring semester,” said Drake, 78.

Math instructor Steve Drake was among many faculty who spent the summer working to improve their online instruction.

FACULTY AND STAFF ENROLLED IN NMC TEACHING SOLUTIONS COURSE TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS IN ONLINE INSTRUCTION

Find out more about NMC’s fall class format options at nmc.edu/fall-formats

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

They applaud instructors like Drake, who seek to expand their skill set for the benefit of students. What occurred spring semester, DeLonge said, is “emergency remote teaching.” It typically takes three months to build a course that can stand on its own asynchronously—not tethered to a specific place and time. That’s what Teaching Solutions is designed to do. As a capstone project, participants create a course in the Moodle system that is assessed against 20 criteria including delivery and instruction, assessment and feedback and technology and learner support. “Teaching online is different. Content might be the same, but we have to adjust or create new ways to deliver content,” DeLonge said. “We can’t just recreate what (instructors) do face to face.” Teaching Solutions merges content, in which faculty are the experts; technology, DeLonge and Bernstein’s specialty; and pedagogy, or teaching methods. “It’s a collaboration,” Bernstein said. In addition to first-timers like Drake, many past Teaching Solutions faculty participants re-enrolled this summer, in order to convert additional courses. N

EMBEDDED ETHICS MARK DELONGE

How to insert an IV. How to record vital signs. How to safely administer medications. All straightforward, fundamental lessons and skills for NMC nursing students. But how to ration personal protective equipment (PPE)? Which patient gets the ventilator if there weren’t enough to go around?

RYAN BERNSTEIN

I commend the NMC staff members for their work in switching over to online coursework only. I feel like my student's education is progressing well. — Parent, Suzanne Shoemaker

Not nearly so straightforward, but still fundamental to answer. NMC students are taught how to ground such decisions in ethics and patient-centered care. “Ethics is embedded within the nursing program as an essential foundation for a nursing practice. We talk about choices and ramifications from day one,” said nursing instructor Mac Beeker, who also works at Munson Medical Center as an ethics consultant and serves on the hospital’s Bioethics Resource Committee. So far, northern Michigan has seen a modest number of COVID-19 cases. When the pandemic started back in early spring, however, the outlook was much more dire. It falls to the Bioethics Resource Committee to hold up what Beeker calls “an ethical lens” to Munson policies and processes on allocating potentially scarce resources. That’s everything from COVID19 tests to PPE like gloves, masks and ventilators to hospital rooms. Even the human resources of staff, which include many NMC nursing alumni. “We’re not used to, in this country, having limited resources. Not from a healthcare

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

KEEP SAFE, KEEP LEARNING Masks are required in all campus buildings and social distancing should be practiced. See more about NMC’s safety and reopening plan at nmc.edu/keepsafe

WATCH:

TO THE PUBLIC

NMC.EDU/CLASS-OF-2020

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER Tues-Thurs, 1-5 p.m. dennosmuseum.org

NMC BOOKSTORE Mon-Thurs, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. nmc.edu/bookstore TO STUDENTS

Police Academy student Monte White was a residence hall adviser in the spring when 50 students remained in North Hall. He was also one of NMC’s first students to resume face-to-face classes, shown in a defensive driving class in May (photo E).

A) PR ES IDENT NICK NIS SLE Y DELIVERS A VIRTUAL GRADUATION MESSAGE B) 61 NMC CHOIR MEMBER S PER FOR MED "AMA ZING GRACE" VIRTUALLY C) UPS CARGO PILOT KELLY LEPLEY, A 1989 AVIATION ALUMNA, FLEW ONE OF THE FEW PLANES IN THE SKIES IN MARCH AND APRIL D) WNMC DJ ANNE MCENANY HELPED RUN A REMOTE STATION OPER ATION FROM SAN DIEGO E) POLICE ACADEMY STUDENT MONTE WHITE DONS PPE FOR A CLASS F) FACULTY MEMBER LISA BLACKFORD, LEFT, AND SAR AH FR ANKHAM, THE BRITISH STUDENT SHE WELCOMED INTO HER HOME G) KATIE SOMMER FILLS FOOD PANTRY ORDERS.

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

Fall semester courses will be offered in four formats to maintain safety and offer flexibility: lecture, online, hybrid and livestream. See more at nmc.edu/fall-formats

LISTEN:

NMC.EDU/VIRTUAL-CHOIR

NMC.EDU/KELLY-LEPLEY

NMC.EDU/OPEN-DOORS

STUDENT FAMILIES HELPED BY THE NMC FOOD PANTRY

community

Seeing NMC reach out and do all they can to help has amazed me and has made me all that much more grateful to be a student here. Culinary student Kathryn Hockin, 21, recipient of CARES Act funds and scholarships

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

KEEP SAFE, KEEP LEARNING Masks are required in all campus buildings and social distancing should be practiced. See more about NMC’s safety and reopening plan at nmc.edu/keepsafe

WATCH:

TO THE PUBLIC

NMC.EDU/CLASS-OF-2020

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER Tues-Thurs, 1-5 p.m. dennosmuseum.org

NMC BOOKSTORE Mon-Thurs, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. nmc.edu/bookstore TO STUDENTS

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

Fall semester courses will be offered in four formats to maintain safety and offer flexibility: lecture, online, hybrid and livestream. See more at nmc.edu/fall-formats

LISTEN:

NMC.EDU/VIRTUAL-CHOIR

NMC.EDU/KELLY-LEPLEY

NMC.EDU/OPEN-DOORS

STUDENT FAMILIES HELPED BY THE NMC FOOD PANTRY

community

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

BY THE NUMBERS

Nursing student Makayla Kramer, 20, recipient of CARES Act funds and scholarships

+ 623

thankful!

I am so thankful for this fund. It has really lifted a lot of financial issues off of my shoulders during this time.

Kim Neathery, parent of residence hall student

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

DONORS TO THE NMC FOUNDATION IN APRIL

! d r o a rec

STUDENTS GRANTED EMERGENCY FUNDS*

safe + sound!

85% OF AVAILABLE FEDERAL CARES ACT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUNDS AWARDED TO STUDENTS IN JUST 15 WEEKS*

Mr. Marcus Bennett, Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life, has been an absolute godsend these past few months. He has gone above and beyond to help my son.”

800

STUDENTS SHELTERED IN NORTH HALL

“LIVE AND LOCAL” VIRTUAL CONCERTS FROM THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER

$ $1,600 AVERAGE AMOUNT AWARDED TO STUDENTS FROM BOTH NMC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AND CARES ACT DOLLARS*

MY NMC

COVID ‘ROCK ST RS’ EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES NMC’s Educational Technologies department has a five-minute rule. Whether it’s trying to create an assignment in Moodle, the college’s elearning system, record a lecture for later viewing or set up an online meeting, if faculty or staff can’t figure something out in five minutes, call ET. The college took full advantage of that in-house expertise when campuses closed during COVID-19. Not only were all face-to-face classes shifted to virtual instruction, but all work, from financial aid to admissions to HR, became remote. As a result, ET was besieged with help desk tickets—more than five times as many in March 2020 vs. 2019. That doesn’t count emails and phone calls outside the help desk system. But the department rose to the challenge, resolving issues in an average of 50 minutes. Shown above in the Zoom squares in which they spent so much time this spring, director Terri Gustafson, top right, and the team she calls her “rock stars” are invited to take a bow. N

*AS OF JULY 24

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

• •

Zoom Meet ing

I am so thankful for this fund. It has really lifted a lot of financial issues off of my shoulders during this time. Nursing student Makayla Kramer, 20, recipient of CARES Act funds and scholarships

thankful!

BY THE NUMBERS

623

Kim Neathery, parent of residence hall student

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

DONORS TO THE NMC FOUNDATION IN APRIL

! d r o a rec

STUDENTS GRANTED EMERGENCY FUNDS*

safe + sound!

85% OF AVAILABLE FEDERAL CARES ACT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUNDS AWARDED TO STUDENTS IN JUST 15 WEEKS*

Mr. Marcus Bennett, Associate Dean of Campus & Residence Life, has been an absolute godsend these past few months. He has gone above and beyond to help my son.”

800

STUDENTS SHELTERED IN NORTH HALL

“LIVE AND LOCAL” VIRTUAL CONCERTS FROM THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER

$ $1,600 AVERAGE AMOUNT AWARDED TO STUDENTS FROM BOTH NMC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AND CARES ACT DOLLARS*

MY NMC

COVID ‘ROCK ST RS’ EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

NMC’s Educational Technologies department has a five-minute rule. Whether it’s trying to create an assignment in Moodle, the college’s elearning system, record a lecture for later viewing or set up an online meeting, if faculty or staff can’t figure something out in five minutes, call ET. The college took full advantage of that in-house expertise when campuses closed during COVID-19. Not only were all face-to-face classes shifted to virtual instruction, but all work, from financial aid to admissions to HR, became remote. As a result, ET was besieged with help desk tickets—more than five times as many in March 2020 vs. 2019. That doesn’t count emails and phone calls outside the help desk system. But the department rose to the challenge, resolving issues in an average of 50 minutes. Shown above in the Zoom squares in which they spent so much time this spring, director Terri Gustafson, top right, and the team she calls her “rock stars” are invited to take a bow. N

*AS OF JULY 24

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

STRAWBERRY TOAST 1 1 1 1 K

loaf good open crumb bread cup plain greek yogurt pint strawberries (Minish uses King's Orchard in season.) sprig fresh lavender bulb fennel (Minish uses Providence Farms in season.)

FROM OUR KITCHENS

THE NIGHT BEFORE: Pickle the fennel and strain the yogurt. To strain the yogurt, place a regular coffee filter in a strainer and add yogurt. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate. TO PICKLE FENNEL, IN A SMALL SAUCEPAN COMBINE: K 1 K 2 1

cup sugar cups rice wine vinegar cups water tablespoon salt

Bring to a boil and cool completely. Add sliced fennel and refrigerate overnight. BEFORE SERVING Pick the flowers of the fennel sprig and slice strawberries, some in half, some in quarters. Toast bread and spread a generous amount of strained yogurt on slices. Arrange berries, fennel, and lavender flowers.

‘WE PICKLED EVERY VEGETABLE’ New restaurateurs lead Terrain out of pandemic

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

Chef Randy Minish learned about the restaurant industry’s reality of tight margins at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. Then came COVID-19. Minish and his co-owner sister Shana lived the restaurant industry’s reality of tight margins during the 10-week shutdown of Terrain, the Bellaire restaurant they opened to widespread acclaim in April 2019. When Terrain closed after Michigan’s stay-at-home order was first issued in late March, the siblings’ initial priority was to preserve inventory. Randy, a 2011 graduate, made perishable meat and cheeses into sausage and pierogies that could be frozen. The same preservation effort went into produce. “We pickled every vegetable that we had left,” said Shana Minish, operations manager and a 2003 NMC graduate.

Then it was a matter of gutting out the closure. Restaurants have been part of the duo’s life for decades. In high school both worked at Lulu’s, the restaurant that previously occupied Terrain’s space. Now they mesh their skills to elevate how a restaurant can be run, from the kitchen to staff relationships to the guest experience. Terrain reopened May 28 at 50 percent capacity. Back in March, operating at half capacity during their busiest season would have seemed absurd, but both are grateful they were simply able to open. They’re learning new lessons now. “They don’t teach global pandemic response in culinary school. They don’t teach it in an MBA program either,” said Shana Minish, who earned hers at MSU. “This will definitely be a reference point 20 years from now,” Randy said. Call for reservations. (231) 350-7301 N

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

STRAWBERRY TOAST 1 1 1 1 K

loaf good open crumb bread cup plain greek yogurt pint strawberries (Minish uses King's Orchard in season.) sprig fresh lavender bulb fennel (Minish uses Providence Farms in season.)

FROM OUR KITCHENS

cup sugar cups rice wine vinegar cups water tablespoon salt

‘WE PICKLED EVERY VEGETABLE’ New restaurateurs lead Terrain out of pandemic

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

READY SET. Soaring banks of windows, lofty ceilings and bright, open spaces will greet patrons of the West Hall Innovation Center this fall. Construction on the project in the heart of NMC’s main campus was completed this summer. In accordance with the college’s phased re-opening, occupancy is presently limited to about 50 percent of capacity. Services open to students, faculty and staff: •C ontactless pickup of both print and technology materials from the second-floor library at the west entrance (shown at right.) • The first-floor Hawk Owl cafe • Radio station WNMC is broadcasting from its lower level studio Begun in fall 2018, the $14.4 million project was funded from college and state funds and transformed 50-year-old West Hall into a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story flexible learning space. The new library, which includes a self-checkout system, was another $6 million. The building utilizes geothermal energy, a clean, renewable source that will pay for itself in an estimated 14 years. The community will be invited to visit the West Hall Innovation Center and celebrate a grand opening when it is safe to do so. N ➤ For more information on the project, visit nmc.edu/innovation

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

Soaring banks of windows, lofty ceilings and bright, open spaces will greet patrons of the West Hall Innovation Center this fall. Construction on the project in the heart of NMC’s main campus was completed this summer. In accordance with the college’s phased re-opening, occupancy is presently limited to about 50 percent of capacity. Services open to students, faculty and staff: •C ontactless pickup of both print and technology materials from the second-floor library at the west entrance (shown at right.) • The first-floor Hawk Owl cafe • Radio station WNMC is broadcasting from its lower level studio Begun in fall 2018, the $14.4 million project was funded from college and state funds and transformed 50-year-old West Hall into a 54,000-square-foot, multi-story flexible learning space. The new library, which includes a self-checkout system, was another $6 million. The building utilizes geothermal energy, a clean, renewable source that will pay for itself in an estimated 14 years. The community will be invited to visit the West Hall Innovation Center and celebrate a grand opening when it is safe to do so. N ➤ For more information on the project, visit nmc.edu/innovation

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

L TO R: JUSTIN BENTSEN, PIERCE THOMAS AND CHRIS SCHMIDT GET READY TO CONDUCT AN INSPECTION OF BALLAST TANKS AND CARGO HOLDS OF THIS 1,000 FT CARGO SHIP IN SUPERIOR, WI DURING WINTER DRYDOCK.

ALUMNI NOTES

ALUMNI NOTES ART CULTURE

•••

ALUMNI NOTES THREE CHOSEN AS 2020 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI Established in 1988, Outstanding Alumni are chosen for their professional achievements and/or leadership in the local or global community.

•

1 LORRAINE BEERS, 1975-1977, Nursing: Crediting NMC as the first major step on a rich and fulfilling educational journey, Beers’ career has led her to work in obstetrics, perinatal outreach, home care, school nursing and infection control/ infectious diseases. Most recently, she earned a doctorate in nursing practice from University of Michigan-Flint. “I couldn’t do what I’m doing without NMC. NMC really helped develop my career,” Beers said.

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

•

2 GEORGE COMDEN, 1951-1953: As a member of Northwestern Michigan College’s first graduating class, Comden has been involved in the college since the very first day it opened. Following his time at NMC and military service, Comden completed his bachelor’s degree at Central Michigan University and dedicated his career to education. Most recently, he created the endowed Class of 1953 Veterans Memorial Scholarship, which supports military veterans who are attending NMC.

•

3 DAVID MILARCH, 1971: David Milarch's mission is to clone the world's "champion trees." Milarch’s Archangel Ancient Tree

Archive, located in Copemish, Mich., archives the genetics of the world’s most important old-growth trees, with the goal of propagating and reforesting the Earth. Over the past year media stories about Milarch’s work cloning redwoods were broadcast in 150 countries, reaching over two billion viewers. Milarch has cloned NMC trees and planted a champion tree on campus. Applications for the 2021 Outstanding Alumni award will be sought in January 2021.

4 TERRY A. MAURER, Arts 1964, recently published an autobiography, “Dirt Farmer’s Son, A True Story 1942 - 2020.” Maurer grew up on a northern Michigan farm and retired to St. Helena, Calif., in 2012. 5 JOHN JACKSON, Law Enforcement 1971, released his book "From Mail to Mountain." It is a detailed portrayal of the daily life of an Army private (his father Charles) who served in World War II. It is available at https://www.mailtomountain.com/ 6 JUDITH A. POLCYN NIESEN, Nursing 1968, celebrated her 51st year of nursing with a private pinning ceremony in December 2019. Currently at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, the event was organized as a surprise by her husband, Richard Niesen (NMC ‘66). 7 TAMARA PUTNEY (Nursing 2002) has been named the Chief Nursing Officer at Munson Medical Center. She has 18 years experience as a nurse, educator

and clinical leader, most recently serving as the Director of Nursing for Critical Care Services, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Nursing Operations at Munson Medical Center. In her new role, she is part of the senior leadership team at the Traverse City hospital. 8 KYEONGJUN YANG, 2012-2016, was recently honored as a winner of the 2020 ZEISS Photography Award for a series of black and white images entitled, “Metamorphosis,” which casts a spotlight on the experiences of immigrants in the United States. Jun, originally from South Korea, is currently a senior journalism major at the University of Texas, Austin. 9 Founded by four NMC alumni, INTERACTIVE AERIAL, a Traverse City manufacturing and service company focused on building drones and robotic solutions, won the inaugural Emerging Business Award from Traverse Connect. The company was commended for a “very intentional

business plan,” “strong fiscal accountability,” and a locally-focused hiring plan. Founders who earned an associate degree in Engineering Technology/Unmanned Aerial Systems are: PIERCE THOMAS, operations manager (2016) who also earned an associate in Engineering Technology/ Marine; CHRIS SCHMIDT, technology manager (2015) and JUSTIN BENTSEN, product manager (2016). CHRISTIAN SMITH, president, attended in 2016 and worked as a flight instructor in 2017. Other alumni: MARK STEPHENS, CEO/lead investor, earned a pilot’s license from NMC and took UAS classes from NMC in 2015 and 2016. Thomas and Bentsen were his UAS flight instructors. JOHN KLEI (2019) Engineering Tech/UAS, was the first employee.

Share your alumni news by emailing alumni@nmc.edu

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

L TO R: JUSTIN BENTSEN, PIERCE THOMAS AND CHRIS SCHMIDT GET READY TO CONDUCT AN INSPECTION OF BALLAST TANKS AND CARGO HOLDS OF THIS 1,000 FT CARGO SHIP IN SUPERIOR, WI DURING WINTER DRYDOCK.

ALUMNI NOTES

ALUMNI NOTES ART CULTURE

FROMMAIL TO

MOUNTAIN

•••

Toa 11oryor• 10dl Molft~ ~ ~ lO

ALUMNI NOTES THREE CHOSEN AS 2020 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI Established in 1988, Outstanding Alumni are chosen for their professional achievements and/or leadership in the local or global community. 1 LORRAINE BEERS, 1975-1977, Nursing: Crediting NMC as the first major step on a rich and fulfilling educational journey, Beers’ career has led her to work in obstetrics, perinatal outreach, home care, school nursing and infection control/ infectious diseases. Most recently, she earned a doctorate in nursing practice from University of Michigan-Flint. “I couldn’t do what I’m doing without NMC. NMC really helped develop my career,” Beers said.

01w1.iGAei,y

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

•

5 JOHN JACKSON, Law Enforcement 1971, released his book "From Mail to Mountain." It is a detailed portrayal of the daily life of an Army private (his father Charles) who served in World War II. It is available at https://www.mailtomountain.com/

•

6 JUDITH A. POLCYN NIESEN, Nursing 1968, celebrated her 51st year of nursing with a private pinning ceremony in December 2019. Currently at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, the event was organized as a surprise by her husband, Richard Niesen (NMC ‘66).

•

7 TAMARA PUTNEY (Nursing 2002) has been named the Chief Nursing Officer at Munson Medical Center. She has 18 years experience as a nurse, educator

•

8 KYEONGJUN YANG, 2012-2016, was recently honored as a winner of the 2020 ZEISS Photography Award for a series of black and white images entitled, “Metamorphosis,” which casts a spotlight on the experiences of immigrants in the United States. Jun, originally from South Korea, is currently a senior journalism major at the University of Texas, Austin.

•

9 Founded by four NMC alumni, INTERACTIVE AERIAL, a Traverse City manufacturing and service company focused on building drones and robotic solutions, won the inaugural Emerging Business Award from Traverse Connect. The company was commended for a “very intentional

Share your alumni news by emailing alumni@nmc.edu

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

ALUMNI NOTES

WELCOME NEWEST ALUMNI

GET SOCIAL

nmc_tc | Are YOU following us? | FRAME IT. SNAP IT. POST IT. #thisismyNMC #nmcnow #neverstoplearning

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

ALUMNI NOTES

WELCOME NEWEST ALUMNI

GET SOCIAL

nmc_tc | Are YOU following us? | FRAME IT. SNAP IT. POST IT. #thisismyNMC #nmcnow #neverstoplearning

SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2

NEXUS THE NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE | NMC.EDU

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Nexus - The Northwestern Michigan College Magazine - Summer 2020

Articles inside

Embedded Ethics

Making Virtual More Valuable