Five individuals receive NMC's highest honor :: Northwestern Michigan College

Five individuals receive NMC's highest honor

June 30, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - The Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees has conferred the college's highest honor on Jean C. Howard, Ted and Phyllis Kidd and D. Jerome and Margery Slack. Each has been named an "NMC Fellow."

NMC has been naming "Fellows" since 1964 as a way of recognizing and thanking those who have made special contributions to the college - whether through creative counsel, monetary resources or inspiring leadership.

"These individuals have each dedicated their time and generosity, both personally and professionally, to help NMC fulfill its mission," said NMC Board K. Ross Childs. "Naming them as NMC Fellows is our way of expressing our appreciation for the opportunities they help us provide for our students."

Jean Howard has dedicated two decades of extraordinary service to NMC and the NMC Foundation. She has participated in a leadership position for two capital campaigns, played an instrumental role in the Foundation's evolution as a board member and chair, and continues to advocate for NMC in the community.

A consistent donor herself, Jean has also been responsible for inviting many other donors, leaders and volunteers to NMC. She is can-do when it comes to NMC, always responding affirmatively to an invitation to serve. Her foresight and advocacy for NMC has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars for students, facilities and programs.

Ted and Phyllis Kidd have volunteered and supported the Dennos Museum Center since it opened in 1991. They have been consistent donors, sponsoring exhibitions and performances as well as making an annual gift.

In addition to their financial contributions, Ted and Phyllis have given hundreds of hours of their time as Museum volunteers. In that role, they have trained and developed resources for their fellow docents and set high standards for educational programs and customer service.

Ted and Phyllis have played a vital leadership role among the volunteer corps that has made the Museum such an important part of this community's cultural landscape. They expect to continue their support into the future.

D. Jerome and Margery Slack are true believers in higher education. From his first career as a teacher before being called to war and then venturing into the businesses world, Jerome always believed in helping students, particularly those from these rural areas like the Mesick/Buckley area, where he grew up. Since 1993 the couple's donations have provided NMC scholarships for about 75 students.

By providing a means to attain higher education, their gifts have truly changed the lives not only of the scholarship recipients, but of others from underrepresented rural areas.

In addition to their ongoing giving, in 2003 the Slacks made the ultimate gift to NMC by naming the College in their estate plans and joining the Biederman Society.

All of the 2009 NMC Fellows will be recognized at a dinner in their honor later this year.