Apr 27, 2026 | Dennos Events, Intercom, Student Events
The Dennos Museum Center will host the 5th annual Spring Art Market, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. This one-day juried art event is held indoors in the Sculpture Court and falls on Mother’s Day weekend. Special programming is planned into the day to let moms feel the love while offering a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.
Walk the museum’s galleries while enjoying a glass of Mawby Sparkling at our cash bubbly bar and listen to the talented pianist, Dorothy Vogel, as you stroll. Engage with 27 Michigan artists selling their work and pop into the Museum Store to find a gift for Mom or maybe for yourself. Have fun making a Mother’s Day card with your kids.
-
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spring Art Market
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mother’s Day card making project
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pianist, Dorothy Vogel, in the gallery
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mawby mimosas & sparkling pours (cash bar)
Admission to the museum and parking are free. View the the full list of participating artists on the Dennos Museum’s website.
Apr 27, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
The Dennos Museum Center will host the 5th Annual TC Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) program on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Dennos Museum Center and Milliken Auditorium, headlined by spoken word artist Masaki Takahashi and a special film screening by filmmaker Liann Kaye.
The evening’s keynote program will feature Masaki Takahashi, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Lansing, Michigan (2022–2024), whose powerful, community-centered work has been featured on platforms including Button Poetry and TEDx. As founder of The Poetry Room, Takahashi is widely recognized for creating spaces that uplift diverse voices and for his commitment to education, mentorship, and the transformative power of storytelling.
The program will also include a screening of Seoul Switch, the award-winning proof-of-concept short film written and directed by Liann Kaye. The story follows a shy Korean American college student and a global K-pop idol who discover they are identical doubles and swap lives, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and authenticity. The feature adaptation is currently in development and has already received significant industry support.
The evening will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the main program from 6 to 8 p.m., including the keynote spoken word program and film screening.
Event Details:
5th Annual TC AAPI Program to Feature Spoken Word Artist Masaki Takahashi and Film Screening by Liann Kaye
Dennos Museum Center and Milliken Auditorium
1410 College Drive, Traverse City
5–6 p.m.: Reception
6–8 p.m.: Spoken word program and film screening
This event is made possible by Northern Michigan E3, the Dennos Museum Center, the NMC Library, The Good Bowl, Samsara, and Traverse Area District Library and is free and open to the public. Free registration in advance is strongly encouraged at dennosmuseum.org by signing up through Simpletix.
About TC AAPI
Join Traverse City’s AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Community for a free event with the goal to build greater understanding and empathy for people of different cultural backgrounds through positive engagement and welcoming learning events.
For More Information:
Sakura Takano
TC AAPI Planning Committee
(617) 501-8533
stakano@rotarycharities.org
Apr 17, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC will host a mobile food pantry on Monday, April 20 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. We have 3,505 pounds of goods including instant mashed potatoes, dried beans, raisins, apples (bulk), eggs, cutie tangerines, frozen zucchini and celery.
We ask that recipients queue up in the car line in a counter-clockwise circle around the edge of the parking lot. Please do not block the main access roads, be aware of other students using the parking spaces and watch for children being picked up at the Oleson Learning Center adjacent to the Maple Lot.
This program is designed for NMC students and is open to anyone in the community who is in need. Interested in volunteering? Email Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
Apr 13, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
A dancer in a past graduation pow wow
(download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2026 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, on NMC’s Front Street campus. This annual event is open to the public and celebrates vibrant and culturally significant Native American tribes of our region. Four Native American students are graduating this spring.
The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building, and feature Native American dancers, drummers, storytelling, music and more. Food and vendors will also be available. Grand Entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cherry lots. A campus map is available at nmc.edu/maps.
Release Date: April 9, 2026
For More Information:
Julieanna Frost
Native American Student Organization faculty advisor
(734) 368-8569
jfrost@nmc.edu
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
Apr 13, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Campus Life will host a dodgeball tournament on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
- Prizes for 1ˢᵗ and 2ⁿᵈ place teams
- No entry fees
- Open to all current NMC students and employees
- Maximum of 5 persons per team
The deadline to sign up is April 24 by 4 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.
Apr 10, 2026 | Student Events
Join the Student Ambassadors for a Murder Mystery Dinner from 6–9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107.
It’s 1923, and the party seems endless at Jay Glittersby’s New York mansion…until a shot rings out, and an unwelcome guest is found dead. Was the motive revenge, jealousy, or greed? Is the murderer a flapping dancer, a jazzy musician or a slyly deferential server? Dress up in your best 1920s attire ( we have hats and headbands for you!) for an evening of delicious food, laughs, and mystery!
Sign up for the Murder Mystery Dinner
Registration will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10.
Apr 7, 2026 | Student Events
The Marine Technology Society is hosting a party to celebrate the end of the year from 3–4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at Discovery Pier, 13271 South West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City. We’ll be having hot dogs and burgers with some fun activities between. Family and friends welcome. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
For questions, contact Devin Howell at howell65@mail.nmc.edu.
Apr 7, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Versiti is holding a blood drive from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Do your part to help save lives during a vital time of need!
Make sure you eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. Walk-ins are welcome, though scheduling an appointment is recommended.
Donors will receive a pair of flannel pajama pants and a coupon for a free sandwich from Jimmy John’s (while supplies last).
Apr 7, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College invites the public to help welcome Swoop, its new mascot, at a special 75th anniversary Student and Community Block Party from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, April 25 on the Front Street campus.
The event coincides with the end of the spring semester. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, neighbors and friends are all invited to join the festivities, including free carnival rides, activities and live music. Food from several local food trucks will be available to purchase.
Swoop, the newest member of the NMC community, will make his debut at 3:30 p.m. and will then make the rounds of the party for photo opportunities.
NMC adopted the northern hawk owl as a nickname in 2013, and the concept was embraced by the college. Swoop was first visualized as a two-dimensional logo character in 2014. Each graduate receives a Hawk Owl alumni” T-shirt. The student cafeteria is named the Hawk Owl Cafe.
The occasion of NMC’s 75th anniversary this year was a fitting time to embody Swoop as an official mascot, and planning for Swoop’s arrival started in late 2024.
Hawk owls are typically found further north than Traverse City, but Swoop’s journey reflects the diverse and unexpected paths of NMC students. Just as they come from various backgrounds and places to find their purpose at NMC, Swoop was drawn by the college’s unique blend of natural beauty, hands-on learning and welcoming community.
“We want NMC to feel vibrant and alive for our students and our community, and finally having Swoop home is a big part of bringing this vision to life.” said Zach Whitaker, manager of NMC Alumni Relations, where Swoop makes his home in between event appearances. He’s here to cheer on our students and learners as they navigate challenges and celebrate all their accomplishments through their time with us and beyond.”
NMC President Nick Nissley will introduce Swoop at the block party. Mascots from NMC’s University Partners, including Louie the GVSU Laker, Brutus the Ferris bulldog, and Pounce the Davenport panther, will join the welcome party, too. A rain date has been set for Sunday, April 26. For more information, visit nmc.edu/75
Release date: April 7, 2026
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC will host a Graduation Fair on April 15 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. This is your one-stop shop for all things Commencement—from finalizing your graduation application and learning about the ceremony to purchasing your gear and decorating your grad cap.
- Decorate your cap and shop at the Bookstore.
- Verify or submit your graduation app
- Meet with Career & Employee Readiness, Alumni Relations, and Student Financial Services
- Discover Direct Connect with University Partners.
- Get Free Popcorn!
It’s also a perfect time to connect with the Alumni Relations office, as you begin your journey from student to a lifelong Hawk Owl. NMC University Partners, Financial Aid, Advising, Career Services and the NMC Bookstore will also be on hand to help you prepare for your next steps forward.
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 at the Dennos Museum! Students will receive exclusive access to these events from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 4 to 5 p.m.
Clothing Swap
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dennos Museum
The Dennos Museum’s annual clothing swap returns! Clothing can be dropped off at the Dennos Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17–21. Faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up as volunteers ahead or during the event to sort clothing. Those interested in volunteering should fill out the Earth Day Clothing Swap volunteer form. Pro tip: anyone who signs up to sort also gets first view and dibs on finds!
Plant sale
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dennos Museum
NMC’s Green Team will host a plant sale with about 500 starter plants, including herbs, flowers and houseplants. Every purchase helps fund campus vibrancy and beautification projects.
Gear & rec swap
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dennos Museum
The Grand Traverse Conservation District will host a gear & rec swap. Gear can be dropped off Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 21 at the Boardman River Nature Center.
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
NMC host a mobile food pantry on Monday, April 6 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. We have 4,500 pounds of goods including lettuce, onions, potatoes, beans, cereal, oranges, cottage cheese, applesauce and frozen pizzas.
We ask that recipients queue up in the car line in a counter-clockwise circle around the edge of the parking lot. Please do not block the main access roads, be aware of other students using the parking spaces and watch for children being picked up at the Oleson Learning Center adjacent to the Maple Lot.
Free and open to all students and their families. Interested in volunteering? Email Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
Apr 2, 2026 | Student Events
The NMC Library invites you to the Spring 2026 Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) from 5–11 p.m. on Monday, April 20. There will be pizza/snacks to keep you full as well as coffee/tea to keep you focused as you prepare for finals. There will also be helpful services offered, such as research consultations, tutoring, a Writing Center pop-up, and therapy dogs to help you finish this semester as strong and as stress-free as possible! You can do it!
Apr 1, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
What if rivers, lakes, fish, and ecosystems had legal rights? The International Affairs Forum will further the conversation on the global Rights of Nature movement, rooted in Indigenous principles, with ecological values relevant to northern Michigan. This global movement has echoes in recent local successes like the rewilding of the Boardman-Ottaway River and the region’s long-standing commitment to habitat and watershed stewardship.
This program is supported by IAF members with grant funding provided by Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, and event underwriting by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
Tribal Attorney Frank Bibeau, Director of the Tribal Rights of Nature Program at the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (CEDR), will explore how Indigenous legal frameworks are advancing Rights of Nature in the U.S. through treaty rights, sovereignty, and environmental protection. According to the CEDR, Bibeau “has developed several legal defense strategies based on the Rights of Manoomin and represented Manoomin (wild rice) and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe in Manoomin v DNR in White Earth Tribal Court and DNR v White Earth Band of Ojibwe and Chief Judge DeGroat in Minnesota District Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2021-2022). Frank’s legal work focuses on the Treaty rights of tribes and members to help protect the natural resources for future generations.
Providing global context, environmental lawyer and activist Hugo Echeverría (CEDR) will examine Ecuador’s constitutional Rights of Nature experience, showing how this framework has been applied—and tested—internationally. Echeverría is best known for advancing Ecuador’s historic constitutional recognition of nature as a rights-bearing entity. With the CEDR, he has shaped legislation, influenced court decisions, and helped communities apply these protections in practice. Rooted in sumak kawsay, from the Quechua meaning “living in harmony with nature”, his work ensures ecosystems are treated not as property, but as subjects of law with enforceable rights to protection and restoration.
The discussion will offer insights into how legal and cultural approaches can shape environmental stewardship, the protection of ecosystems, and the evolving understanding of human responsibility to the natural world.
When: April 15, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Admission is free for current students and educators, including NMC and area secondary schools, and all enrolled citizens of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Mar 27, 2026 | Student Events
NMC Student Success and Christine Zimmer, retired Western Michigan University Director of Health and Education, will help you highlight your durable skills, prepare for a variety of questions and strengthen your confidence for your next interview during this hour-long workshop. Zimmerman has spent her career coaching, mentoring and supporting internships that propel students towards success. Discover what makes you an ideal candidate for jobs in this region. Join us for lunch and learn how to let your skills shine!
Confident Job Interviewing
Wednesday April 8, 12–1:30 p.m. (or come when your class is done!)
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
Mar 27, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
I Am The River, The River Is Me will screen at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 in the Dutmers Theater as part of NMC’s Global Cinema Series.
Admission is FREE and is open to students, staff and the community, although seating is limited. Doors open and 3:30 p.m. and films begin at 4 p.m. in the Dutmers Theater at the Dennos Museum on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Mar 24, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
The NMC student Kenya study abroad team is holding a fundraiser to support their work on-the-ground enhancing girls’ education. NMC students and The Filling Station (642 Railroad Place, Traverse City) invite everyone to join them for food and drinks on Monday, April 13 anytime between 4–10 p.m. Fifteen percent of all your food purchases and $1 from every pint will be donated to the effort.
Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers out for an enjoyable evening down by the tracks! Asante sana!
For more information, contact NMC International Services and Service Learning at (2310 995-2527.
Mar 24, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
TRAVERSE CITY — Community members are invited to join students at NMC’s updated, expanded 2026 Career & Majors Fair from 1–5 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Hagerty Center on NMC’s Great Lakes campus.
Several hundred students and community members are expected to attend the fair, which utilizes a 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. See the list of participating employers at nmc.edu/careerfair.
The fair will also showcase Michigan’s two Sixty x 30 initiatives — the student scholarships aimed at helping the state reach its goal of 60 percent of adult residents earning a degree or certificate by 2030. The Michigan Reconnect scholarship offers free in-district tuition to students 25 and up who don’t already have a degree. The Community College Guarantee makes the same offer to students in the high school classes of 2025 and 2026.
The free event is presented in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest. Find out more at nmc.edu/careerfair.
Release Date: March 24, 2026
For more information:
Tallula Morrison
Student Success and Retention Office Manager
(231) 995-1040
tmorrison@nmc.edu
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
