Apr 13, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, April 13
Chicken Gyros with grilled pita served with lemon rice and roasted fingerling potatoes
Falafel Gyros (V) with grilled pita served with lemon rice and roasted fingerling potatoes
Tuesday, April 14
Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas served with Spanish rice and refried beans
Roasted Poblano & Bean Quesadillas (V) served with Spanish rice and refried beans
Wednesday, April 15
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V) served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Thursday, April 16
Italian Sausage Rigatoni with sundried tomato cream sauce served with garlic bread and broccoli
Roasted Vegetable Rigatoni (V) with sundried tomato cream sauce served with garlic bread and broccoli
Friday, April 17
Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Battered Cauliflower Bites (V) with buffalo sauce served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Apr 8, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for all NMC Extended Education & Training summer adult classes. Community members are invited to enroll in classes ranging in topics from culinary and creative arts to Northern Naturalist, recreation, fitness, and more. Some classes may fill quickly, so early registration for all classes is recommended.
New this summer are expanded offerings to get out and enjoy nature in northern Michigan. Classes include rowing, kayaking, boating, charter fishing, and more. Students are encouraged to enroll online at nmc.edu/ees.
Additional community education options include nearly 80 in-person classes from delicious culinary adventures like “Under the Tuscan Spoon” and “Rice to the Occasion” to exploratory Northern Naturalist offerings, like “Wetland Wildflowers.” Additional classes are offered in fitness, art, music, global, yoga, and recreation. Adult & Child and Date Night classes are perfect for those looking to share quality time and learn new skills with their partners, parents, or friends. Visit nmc.edu/ees to see all categories and class options.
Release date: April 8, 2026
For more information:
Laura Stevens
NMC Extended Education & Training
lstevens@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1704
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, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC faculty, staff, and students,
Put on your best superhero costume and come support an amazing cause. BUS 231 Professional Communications class has been hard at work this semester rebranding our NMC Hero Race (formally known as the Big Little Hero Race). This event helps students develop real-world professional communication skills while raising funds for our very own College for Kids program. We would love for our fellow Hawk Owls to come and support our NMC community and us this year at the NMC Hero Race!
11th Annual NMC Hero Race
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Festivities begin at 9:00 AM at NMC Main Campus, including:
- FREE one-mile Fun Run featuring a special appearance from Captain Hawk Owl!
- 5K/10K timed walk or run (discounts for NMC students, staff, and faculty for $20 off registration)
- Carnival Games
- Silent Auction
- Prizes for best dressed male/female/duo/pet
- Cake Walk
- Bake Sale
- Awards Ceremony
Along with all the exciting events happening on the day of the race, our culinary team will be hard at work the day before, on April 17, 2026, to bring you a carb-fueled pasta dinner. Dinner will begin at 5pm and go until 6:30pm. We are offering pasta, meatballs, and breadsticks. As a student, you only pay $5 for a NMC (our home during the school year) cooked meal.
The fun doesn’t stop there. We are also having a birthday party! This year, NMC is celebrating its 75th birthday. In honor of that, we are excited to announce that this year’s local hero award will be presented to our NMC Outstanding Alumni. This group has continued to pave the way for fellow Hawk Owls for the last 75 years.
If you would like to sign up for the race, head over to our website nmcherorace.com and apply code: student26 (students) or teacher26 (faculty and staff) to receive $20 off your registration.
Even if you are unable to attend, you can still support the cause by entering our prize giveaway for a chance to win: A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac with breakfast included!
To enter:
- Visit https://www.nmc.edu/about/foundation/giving/give.html
- Select “other amount” ($20 minimum)
- Select “NMC Hero Race” in the drop-down tab for “designate my gift to”
One entry per person. The drawing will take place after the race.
I hope to see you there!
Nick
Apr 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Mar 25, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Register now for Northern Michigan Startup Week (NMSW) events! NMSW, taking place April 20–24, is where the region’s builders, founders, investors, students, and problem-solvers come together to turn ideas into momentum.
The focus is on amplifying homegrown talent and strengthening our innovation ecosystem. Please check out the GVSU & NMC events taking place during NMSW!
- April 20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Applied AI and Entrepreneurship: Building Connections for Innovation, Hosted by GVSU
- April 22, 10 a.m.–Noon: NMC Program Overview (Water Studies, Marine Tech, and UAS), Parsons-Stulen Facility Tour, and Networking Lunch
- April 22, Noon–1 p.m.: Panel Discussion Hosted by NMC & Traverse Connect – From Education to Operations: How Northern Michigan Is Building a National Model for Drone Integration
- April 23, 1–3 p.m.: NMC Office of Possibilities for Education Pitch Competition
- April 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.: NMC & GVSU Student Science Symposium
Mar 25, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
March 25, 2026
Recent high school graduates in the five-county area kept more than $1.68 million in their pockets this academic year by using the Community College Guarantee at NMC.
The state scholarship offers free tuition to in-district high school graduates, with no GPA or income requirements. Tuition is significantly discounted to graduates outside the district (Grand Traverse County), with other scholarships often making up the difference.
“We definitely get the word out. We just want kids to take advantage of it because it’s such a great deal,” said Kalkaska High School counselor Ciara McCullough.
The amount awarded across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties was up from $1.04 million awarded in 2024–25, the first year of the CCG.
While amounts were highest in Grand Traverse County, growth increased most in Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Dollars awarded to Kalkaska high school graduates more than doubled. Dollars awarded to Leelanau high school graduates nearly tripled.
2025 Kalkaska graduate Kylee Moore (right) is studying elementary education at NMC. She considered Ferris, but chose NMC in order to save money. Now with her first year nearly complete, she’s found the advantages to be more than financial.
“I’m really happy with it. At NMC, I really love my instructor (Cheryl Bloomquist),” Moore said. NMC’s scheduling also allowed her to keep her job at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare in Kalkaska.
“It’s more flexible and I really like that,” said Moore, who has used NMC campus services like the Writing Center and the library. She expects to complete her bachelor’s through Central Michigan University.
Moore chose education as her field after attending the Teacher Academy at the regional Career Tech Center in high school. McCullough said that more than half of Kalkaska juniors and seniors attend the CTC, which dovetails well with NMC programs like Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, Engineering Technology, surveying, renewable energy and welding.
“Going into the trades is very popular with our kids (and) NMC offers a lot of (skilled) trades programs,” she said.
The Community College Guarantee must be used within 15 months of high school graduation. Class of 2025 graduates can still enroll for NMC’s summer or fall 2026 semesters. The class of 2026 will also be eligible through the fall 2027 semester. Find out more at nmc.edu/guarantee.
Mar 23, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Severe weather can happen quickly, so be ready. Follow these three simple steps to stay safe: get in, get down, and cover up.
Mar 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Due to the recent snow days, the deadline for submissions to the Office of Possibilities for Education’s 2026 Request for Proposals for funding grants has been extended to Tuesday, March 24. Submit your innovative ideas that promote lifelong learning, advance educational offerings, facilitate student or employee success, create organizational efficiencies, or improve campus. Current NMC students, faculty, staff, or departments can apply for funding, which typically ranges from $500 to $10,000.
Read more about the RFP here and submit an application here.
Mar 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Check out NMC’s new course this fall: CIT115 – Intro to Generative AI! Learn to work with AI in your field of study. No tech background required. Use real-world applications to work smarter, think critically and stay competitive. Learn your way; CIT115 is offered online, livestream or face-to-face.
Fall registration is now open. Talk to your advisor today!
Mar 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
On Friday, March 6, over 50 NMC faculty, staff, and students gathered at the Traverse City Curling Club for a fun night of learning a new sport, curling!
Participants were divided among the five curling sheets, and volunteers from the club led the instruction on the basics of curling and friendly competition.
Shout out to the 20 GLMA Cadets that showed up for the event! Way to represent the Academy!
Thanks to Marcus Bennett, Lynne Moritz and Terri Gustafson for organizing this event.
Mar 9, 2026 | Student News
Summer textbooks will be available April 1. Stop by the Campus Bookstore in the Health & Science Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus or check them out online at bookstore.nmc.edu.
Mar 9, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Stop by the Campus Bookstore on Tuesday, March 17 and get 10% off all regularly priced green items.
Mar 9, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
NMC will host a mobile food pantry on Monday, March 16 from 3–5 p.m. in the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. The menu includes potatoes, onions, cottage cheese, applesauce, pinto beans, juice, cereal, venison and pasta.
While our program is designed for NMC college students and their families, it is open to all in the community who are in need of food.
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.
Mar 5, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Mar 4, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
March 4, 2026
The NMC Commitment Scholarship is vastly expanding the ranks of eligible first-generation college students this spring, increasing the impact of a unique college access opportunity that began more than thirty years ago.
Starting with the high school class of 2028 (current high school sophomores), prospective first-generation college students in the six-county area can self-nominate for a Commitment Scholarship.
Previously students had to be nominated by their high school counselor as freshmen. Eligibility was limited to 18 regional public high schools, each of which could nominate only three students. Charter, private and homeschooled students are also now eligible.
In addition to the financial help (up to $2,000/year for up to three years) Commitment helps students gain confidence and focus. At a Michigan Tech recruiting fair last fall, seeking a summer internship among throngs of other students, sophomore Kai Collins (right) believes lessons he learned years earlier as an NMC Commitment Scholar helped him stand out.
“Being a Commitment scholar felt like I was being treated as an adult. I had to learn management skills,” said Collins, a 2024 Mancelona High School graduate. “It’s made me a lot more confident in my college journey. I know I can use opportunities I’m given to their fullest.”
Collins landed an internship, with Milwaukee Tool, and is headed to Wisconsin this summer.
The scholarship can be combined with other aid, including the Michigan Community College Guarantee. First-generation is defined as neither parent having earned an associate degree or higher.
The goal is to expand access and have more students take advantage of the scholarship, which was established by NMC donors in 1993. Students must also participate in two preparatory events prior to starting at NMC and maintain a 2.0 GPA in high school.
Gillian Lovett, a 2023 Bellaire High School graduate, is a Commitment scholar currently enrolled at NMC. She will graduate this May. She said the scholarship helped make college a realistic prospect for her.
“I was definitely pretty surprised. College wasn’t on my radar yet. I felt pretty lucky to be nominated, and I felt grateful that I did have an opportunity ahead of me to go to school and not worry about the money,” Lovett said.
Lovett is studying psychology and plans to transfer to Western Michigan University to complete her bachelor’s degree. She’s considering a career in the correctional field, as a rehabilitation counselor.
Collins expects to graduate from Michigan Tech in 2028 with a degree in mechanical engineering. While at NMC he also earned a certificate in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
Apply online.
Mar 2, 2026 | Student News
Have you had instructors this semester who you feel really excelled? NMC has a way for you to recognize those instructors: Nominate them for a Faculty Excellence Award!
Award criteria includes teaching excellence, supportive relationship with students, innovation in the classroom, sense of class community and dedication to the students/NMC.
Tell us what makes your instructors so great using this nomination form.
Submit your nomination by April 10.
Feb 24, 2026 | Student News
Class of 2026—have you applied to graduate?
If this is your last semester of classes, now is the time to apply to graduate if you haven’t already! All students are required to submit this application to receive their credential. The graduation application is available in NMC Self-Service. Select “Apply to Graduate” under the “Student Records” tab to submit your application. Submit your application before April 15 to ensure your name will be listed in the Commencement program.
Those who have already applied to graduate should check their NMC student email to RSVP for Commencement. The deadline to RSVP for Commencement is April 20. Don’t forget to purchase your cap and gown from the Campus Bookstore!
If you have any questions, email records@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1049.
Feb 23, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab (MVE-Lab) is a free entrepreneurial accelerator program tailored for military-connected individuals in Michigan. This program is developed and led by the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at Grand Valley State University (GVSU).
Participants will cover relevant topics each week and will leave with actionable takeaways. Topic examples include:
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- Knowing your customer
- Marketing and messaging
- Financial modeling
- “Ask the Lawyer”
- Planning for growth
- Funding streams
The MVE-Lab cohort 17 will run in Traverse City from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays from April 7 through June 9 at GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center located in the James Beckett Buildng on NMC’s Front Street Campus. Participants can join in-person of via Zoom. Dinner is provided. The program will conclude with a Final Pitch and Showcase event on Monday, June 15 to celebrate the end of the cohort with an opportunity to pitch for $15,000 in cash prizes.
To apply, visit gvsu.edu/mve. Applications will close on April 7 at 11:59 p.m.
