TRAVERSE CITY — Threecommittees of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet this week in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, Mich.
Building & Site Committee: 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Room 08 (Lower Level)
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: April 20, 2026
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
Northwestern Michigan College announces its 5th Annual Learning Symposium, scheduled to take place from April 23 to May 2. This event, sponsored by the Experiential Learning Institute, will showcase the diverse ways NMC students and faculty engage in high-impact teaching and learning.
The Learning Symposium will feature a variety of student and faculty artifacts, experiences and scholarship. Attendees can expect to see oral and poster presentations on research and community engagement projects, academic courses, service learning experiences, and community partnerships. The learning symposium highlights experiential learning and other high-impact practices in and/or out of the classroom.
Student’s in Cathy Warner’s ENG 111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve facilities, programming and resources in the community and at the college. Topics range from how NMC can create a universal free meal plan for all students, to environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt in the winter months. View the full list of presenters
NMC & GVSU Student Science Symposium presentations
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
April 27–May 2
Displays and Artifacts Timothy J Nelson Innovation Center lobby and hallways
April 28
Reflective Table Talks
Noon–1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallways This is an informal session where students and staff will share about their projects and events at tables in the hallways
Student’s in Cathy Warner’s ENG 111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve facilities, programming and resources in the community and at the college. Topics range from how NMC can create a universal free meal plan for all students, to environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt in the winter months. View the full list of presenters
April 29
Brandon Everest’s SOC 201 student presentations
1–2:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 104/105
Kristy McDonald’s BUS 231 NMC Hero Race student presentation
3–4:10 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
April 30
Becca Richardson’s MTH 120 student poster presentations
1–1:45 p.m.
Health & Science Building atrium next to the bookstore
Charles Macphee’s EGY 105 student presentation
6–9 p.m.
Aero Park Laboratories, room 222
May 1
nEXt Endorsement student capstone presentations
2:30–5:10 p.m.
Janis Room, Dennos Museum Center
Honors Convocation
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
The public can now take an illustrated walk down NMC’s memory lane, with the publication of a digital timeline to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.
The timeline covers 110 “milestones” spanning the founding of Northwestern Michigan College as Michigan’s first community college in 1951 to this year’s 75th anniversary celebration. It was created by a history-focused workgroup with representation from across the college.
The group endeavored to show the people who created NMC history as much as the establishment of programs and construction of the physical campus. The timeline also offers present-day context to help viewers understand NMC’s growth and impact. For example, text about the college’s first Commencement in 1953, when 28 students graduated, notes that in 2025, 565 students earned degrees and certificates, a twentyfold increase. A 2018 milestone, awarding $1 million in scholarships, notes that just a few years later, in 2024-25, NMC would double that achievement, awarding $2 million in scholarships.
“The timeline depicts both NMC’s lasting legacy and the bold future ahead,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President of Educational Services and chair of the history work group. “Throughout the years, we’ve been proud to be the community’s college, helping to transform the lives of our learners and their families.”
Led by Ryan Bernstein, NMC Curriculum and Instructional designer, the group curated the timeline from thousands of historical images, documents and artifacts. Longtime college archivist Ann Swaney is also a member of the history workgroup, providing valuable institutional memory and guidance through the process.
Milestones are spread fairly evenly through the decades. The timeline is available at nmc.edu/75.
NMC will also celebrate its history at a daylong anniversary special event Saturday, July 25. It will include:
10 a.m. History Showcase, Milliken Auditorium: Debut screening of 75th anniversary video; panel discussion of NMC history, opening of 50th anniversary time capsule
11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Self-guided history walk to activity stations around NMC’s Front Street campus; opportunity to contribute to centennial time capsule; lunch in the NMC Innovation Center
7 p.m. (tentative time): NMC Music Department Concert, Milliken Auditorium
NMC has published three history books covering 20-year segments of its history. The most recent ends in 2011. In addition there are Maritime and Art Department history books. All are available to check out at the NMC Library.
NMC summer community education classes open for registration
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
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!
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 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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
Register now for 
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.
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.