Suit up for the NMC Hero Race

TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for Northwestern Michigan College’s Hero Race, hosted by Professional Communications students on Saturday, April 18 on NMC’s Front Street campus as a part of an experiential learning class. 

This is a family-friendly chip-timed race with a superhero theme. Last year’s race earned the Traverse City Track Club’s Favorite Race of 2025 award. Race events include:

  • One-mile fun run (free event and cape) 9 a.m. start
  • 5k run ($30) 10 a.m. start
  • 10k run ($35) 10 a.m. start 
  • Medals and prizes 

All proceeds from the event go towards a goal of $5,000 to support scholarships for NMC College for Kids, which helps local youth attend the college’s summer educational programs.

Families and spectators can also enjoy several activities throughout the event, including:

  • Carnival games and food
  • Cake walk
  • Sensory room
  • Bake sale
  • Silent auction
  • Award ceremony

Each year, the race recognizes a community member as a “Local Hero” for their leadership and impact. This year’s Local Hero Award celebrates the 2026 Outstanding Alumni honorees of NMC. This is NMC’s 75th anniversary, and this year’s race will have a celebratory theme

Participants are encouraged to register early:

  • Early bird pricing deadline: March 18
  • Race shirt guarantee deadline: March 31

Packet pickup will be held the evening before the race, featuring a pasta dinner and mask and cape decorating from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants who cannot attend the evening pickup may also pick up their race packets the morning of the event. 

Community members who cannot attend the race are encouraged to donate for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with a one-time donation of $20 or more through the NMC Foundation (designate NMC Hero Race).

To register, become a sponsor, or learn more about the event, visit nmcherorace.com today.

 RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2026

For more information:

Roberto Cuadra
Public Relations Specialist
(269) 930-1046
cuadrar@mail.nmc.edu

Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
(231) 735-1055
kmcdonald@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

NMC Jazz Lab Band and student vocalists to perform at The Alluvion

The NMC Jazz Lab Band and vocalists from NMC’s music program will join the Jeff Haas Trio for an evening of performances from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at The Alluvion.

The roster is part of the Alluvion’s weekly Jazz 4 All series. NMC students will be singing a wide range of jazz favorites including:

    • Anna Dewey, “Don’t Know Why”
    • Gloria Sobkoviak, “L-O-V-E”
    • Liliana Sosa Dunn, “Over The Rainbow”
    • Mason Moran, “All The Things You Are”
    • Rheanna Gilzene, “Almost Like Being In Love”
    • Tae Detweiler-Smith, “I’m Beginning To See The Light”

The Alluvion is located on the 2nd floor of the Commongrounds Cooperative at 414 East 8th Street in Traverse City. There are no advanced sales. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a “pay what you can” cover at the door. Come as you are and don’t miss the show!

Global Cinema Series: Mona Lisa Smile

NMC Global Cinema Series Mona Lisa SmileMona Lisa Smile will screen at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 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 5:30 p.m. and films begin at 6 p.m. in the Dutmers Theater at the Dennos Museum on NMC’s Front Street Campus.

 

 

Versiti blood drive April 9

NMC Versiti blood driveVersiti 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.

 

NMC Curling Night

NMC is hosting a Curling Night at the Traverse City Curling Center, 1712 S Garfield Ave., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6. 

This event is open to the first 50 NMC participants that register. Participants can expect to be on the ice for 2 hours of instruction and play. Children under the age of 8 will not be able to participate in this activity. For those that bring a child between the age of 9 to 13, the child will be required to wear a helmet when on the ice.

To join the fun, fill out the registration form.

For questions, please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.  

Women in STEM Community and Career Night

Northwestern Michigan College’s STEM community is coming together for an inspiring and informative evening designed to connect students with accomplished women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Women in STEM Community and Career Night will feature six presenters sharing their career journey as well as time for general mingling and networking, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, explore career paths and build connections with professionals in their fields of interest.

This event will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107. Snacks will be provided.

Questions? Email zalews6@mail.nmc.edu or zburks@nmc.edu

 

 

GVSU Physician Assistant program preview March 20

GVSU Physician Assistant programTake the first step toward your medical career by joining Grand Valley State University at the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Preview Day at their Traverse City Campus in the James Beckett Building from 1–3 p.m. on Friday, March 20.

This event offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the Assistant Program Director, Traverse City PA faculty, and Grand Valley advisors who can help navigate your path to enrollment. You’ll gain firsthand insights from current PA students and receive a guided tour of our new facilities. Whether you have specific questions about the admissions process or simply want to learn more, this session is designed to provide the overview and clarify you need. This event is open to all prospective students and community members.

Please RSVP for this event at gvsu.edu/traverse/pa.

Food for the Soul

Bring your team and join us in February for these Food For The Soul events as we continue to Embrace the Dream and celebrate Black History Month.

Thursday, February 26, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and  4:30–6 p.m.
Hawk Owl Café
$6.00/NMC staff & students; $12.00/community members

  • Shrimp and Grits or blackened tofu (vegetarian)
  • Collard Greens (with and without ham)
  • Corn bread (Jiffy)
  • Cherry cheesecake
  • Drink option (sweet tea)

For full details, to add events to your Google Calendar, or to watch for new opportunities, visit the NMC Embrace the Dream calendar.

If you have an event or activities to add, please contact lhodek@nmc.edu. Thank you for supporting inclusion and community at NMC!

Mobile food pantry

NMC Mobile Food Pantry

NMC is hosting a mobile pantry from 2:45–5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23 in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus.

The menu includes oranges, grapefruit, honeydew melons, apples, potatoes, kidney beans, poptarts and juice. NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families though all members of the community are welcome. Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available. If a student is unable to attend the distribution due to a class conflict, they may send a friend or family member to pick-up on their behalf.

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.

 

 

Spring 2026 volleyball tournament

Volleyball Intercom header

Campus Life is hosting a volleyball tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 27 in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building. This tournament is open to all employees and current students.

 

Teams must sign up by 5 p.m. on February 27. For questions, please contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.

AVIRT (Active Violence Immediate Response Training)

When acts of violence occur, you can’t always wait for EMS to arrive. AVIRT Training was developed with law enforcement and medical experts to empower everyone to become an immediate responder. This course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to active violence and emergency situations. AVIRT teaches both active shooter response skills and emergency bleeding techniques. Certification period: 2 years.

Monday, March 16, 4–6 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205
Instructor: Eric Darling, Fife Lake Fire Chief
Register

For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.

CPR-AED training

Learn how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. This is a non-certification training that will provide attendees with hands-on learning opportunities.

Tuesday, February 17
5–6 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205 (upstairs)
Instructor: Eric Darling, Fife Lake Fire Chief
Register

For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.

Mobile food pantry

NMC Mobile Food Pantry

NMC is hosting a mobile pantry from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus.

We have over 4,700 pounds of food to share with our students and community. The menu includes apples, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, pasta, cottage cheese, beef sticks and dried beans. NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families though all members of the community are welcome. Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available. If a student is unable to attend the distribution due to a class conflict, they may send a friend or family member to pick-up on their behalf.

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.

 

 

2026 Winter Olympics Curling watch party

In collaboration with the Traverse City Curling Club, NMC is hosting an Olympic Curling watch party from 1–3 p.m. on Friday, February 13, in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105. Come watch Sweden and Canada face off in one of the most anticipated matchups during round robin play of the men’s division.

There will be snacks representing each country and coffee during the match livestream.

Traverse City Curling Club logo

Marine Technology Society movie night

NMC Marine Tech Society movie nightThe Marine Technology Society is hosting a welcome back movie night for students from 6–9 p.m. on Friday, January 30 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105. The movie to be watched will be voted on before the showing.

For questions, contact Adyn McHugh at mchugh13@mail.nmc.edu.

NBA 2K26 basketball tournament

Campus Life and Esports are hosting a NBA 2K26 basketball tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 in the Esports Lab, located in the lower level of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (#9 on the Front Street campus map).

  • Xbox Series X/S and Playstation 5 versions available
  • Prizes for the top two winners on each console
  • Earn bragging rights for the season
  • Free to play

 

 

For more information please contact Andre Dean at adean@nmc.edu or Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.