Below is the history of the challenge coin as told by NMC President Tim Nelson at the 2016 commencement ceremony:
“We began this tradition in 2012, but the challenge coin itself is said to date back to World War I, when an American pilot was first captured and then escaped from the Germans. He used a coin issued by his squadron to prove his identity and escape execution. Upon his return to his squadron, it became a tradition for all members to carry their coin at all times. To ensure compliance, the pilots would challenge each other to produce their coin. As time has passed, these coins have become used as rewards and mementos for outstanding achievement, much like what all of you have accomplished here today. The coins include the college seal and your graduation year. We hope they will become a proud token of your years at NMC.”
Tim would like to make sure each employee has one as well. If you would like an NMC challenge coin, please contact the President’s Office at lmoritz@nmc.edu or by calling 5-1010. Make sure to challenge President Nelson (and one another) to show your coin if you see each other out and about town!