Apr 3, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The fourth annual ELI Learning Symposium is scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 2. This week-long event, hosted by the Experiential Learning Institute (ELI), will showcase the diverse ways NMC students and faculty engage in high-impact teaching and learning.
The ELI 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 symposium highlights experiential learning in and/or out of the classroom.
April 26–May 2
Displays and Artifacts
Timothy J Nelson Innovation Center lobby and hallways
April 26
Science & Research Symposium
3–6 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Rooms 106/107
April 29
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
April 30 (National Apprenticeship Day!)
Kristy McDonald’s BUS 231 Big Little Hero Race student reflections
3–4 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 106
May 1
Charles Macphee’s EGY 105 student final presentations
6–9 p.m.
Aero Park Laboratories Room 101
May 2
nEXt Graduates’ Recognition at Honors Convocation
4:30–7:30 p.m.
Dennos Museum Center
For more information, contact elinstitute@nmc.edu.
Apr 3, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is hosting two mobile pantries during the month of April on Monday, April 7 and Monday, April 21. The distributions will occur from 3-5 p.m. in the Maple Lot at the Front Street campus.
Menu items include ground beef, rice, potatoes, oranges, juice, cottage cheese, macaroni and smores poptarts.
NMC’s mobile pantry program is designed specifically for NMC students and their families. Mobile pantries provide 7-10 days worth of fresh and shelf-stable goods to supplement family incomes. While this is intended for students, all are welcome. There are no financial requirements or means tests.
Drive-thru and walk-up options are both available. Come over and drive-thru or bring a backpack or reusable bag and take what you and your household can use in the next 7-10 days.
These pantries are made possible in partnership with Feeding America.
Apr 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
April 2, 2025
NMC’s distinguished academic programs and innovative experiential learning style are on full view to the community this month, fittingly National Community College Month.
Starting with the free April 12 “open ship” event aboard the State of Michigan, the training ship for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy – one of just six in the nation and the only one on freshwater – to A Taste of Success April 25, where Great Lakes Culinary Institute students will demonstrate skills from sauteing to baking to cocktail mixing, April offers experiences to engage every community member.
Four concerts featuring a range of musical genres and the tenth anniversary of the Big Little Hero race April 19 also occur this month. All showcase experiential learning, or “doing to learn.” The inverse of the traditional “learning to do” teaching technique, NMC has a strategic goal that every student receive at least one experiential learning opportunity.
“Research shows this technique has a higher impact on learners, increasing their persistence and retention,” said Brandon Everest, co-director of NMC’s Experiential Learning Institute.
In addition to the hands-on style, experiential learning includes problem-solving and reflection. Support for both college and community needs is also built in. Both A Taste of Success and Audio Technology’s “Dollars for Scholars” concert on April 12 benefit scholarships for students in the respective academic areas. The Big Little Hero race benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Michigan. During its 10 years, the race has raised more than $100,000 for the organization, which provides mentors to more than 400 youth in the community.
NMC President Nick Nissley (right) plans to attend all the events. At the Big Little Hero Race, however, he’ll be incognito, running as Captain Hawk Owl.
“Being on campus every day, the singularly outstanding educational experiences NMC students receive are familiar to me,” Nissley said. “I invite all northern Michigan residents to take advantage of the many opportunities this month to experience it themselves.”
National Community College Month has been marked since 1985. Its goal is to raise awareness and understanding of the value community colleges offer.
“Since we were founded by community members, we’ve long been known as the community’s college,” Nissley said. “This time of year we’re thrilled to be able to welcome our community to their campuses, to see for themselves the student accomplishments that we’re so proud of.”
Apr 1, 2025 | Student News
Class of 2025—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 21. Don’t forget to purchase your cap and gown from the NMC Bookstore!
If you have any questions, email records@nmc.edu or call (231) 995-1049.
Apr 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
In collaboration with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, NMC is offering free tax preparation to students and employees with incomes less than $100,000 on Saturday, April 12.
Participants must sign up in advance for appointments that will be held in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 123. NMCAA will follow up with what the tax filer about what to bring to their appointment.
For more details, contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu, 231-995-1401 or Justin Marcum on NMCAA, jmarcum@nmcaa.net, (231) 346-2169.
Apr 1, 2025 | Student News
Pre-nursing students —the ADN application for fall 2025 is open! The deadline to apply is June 1. Applications can be submitted in self-service through students.nmc.edu.
To apply in self-service, select:
-
- Admissions
- Apply for Admissions
- Submit a Competitive ADN Application
For questions, contact Melanie Griffith at mgriffith@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1238.
Apr 1, 2025 | Student News
Summer textbooks are now available. Stop by the NMC Bookstore or check them out online at bookstore.nmc.edu. Looking to use financial aid for your books? Financial aid can be used to purchase books for summer classes April 28–June 25.
Spring textbook rentals need to be returned by May 6 to the NMC Bookstore located in the Health & Science Building on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Books that have been purchased can be sold back April 28–May 2.
Mar 31, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials 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 is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, March 31
Orange Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with mandarin oranges served with rice & Bosco sticks
Orange Tofu & Broccoli Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges served with rice & Bosco sticks
Tuesday, April 1
Asada Pulled Pork Tacos with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa served with refried beans & Spanish rice
Asada Tofu Tacos (V) with cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa served with refried beans & Spanish rice
Wednesday, April 2
Spaghetti & Meatballs with marinara sauce and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Roasted Vegetables (V) with marinara sauce and parmesan served with garlic bread & broccoli
Thursday, April 3
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage served with green beans & crostini
Roasted Vegetables (V) with Alfredo sauce served with green beans & crostini
Friday, April 4
Beer-Battered Cod Sandwich with tartar sauce served with potato salad & French fries
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with potato salad & French fries
Mar 26, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The WNMC’s next Speaker Series will feature Doug Luciani, former head of the TC Chamber of Commerce and current VP for Strategy and Community Engagement at the development firm Cunningham-Limp.
Luciani and Eric Hines from the WNMC will discuss the changes that have occurred in Traverse City during his seventeen years at the Chamber and some of the service-oriented projects Cunningham-Limp has been involved with in Northern Michigan over the last few years such as Common Grounds, the Mill in Glen Arbor, several area churches and Cordia Senior Living at Grand Traverse Commons.
This interview will air at 7:30 a.m. on April 2 during Wednesday’s edition of Mornings on WNMC. Tune in at 90.7 FM or stream afterward on the WNMC’s Soundcloud account.
Mar 26, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s “open ship” showcasing the training ship State of Michigan from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12. The day will include:
- Self guided tours of the T/S State of Michigan
- Interaction with current maritime cadets
- An opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, maritime careers, how to become a chef on a ship and U.S. Navy commissioning options
Tours will begin at the pier security gate entrance on the north side of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St. Low-heel, closed-toe, soft-soled shoes are highly recommended. The event will occur rain or shine.
Release date: MARCH 26, 2025
For more information:
Great Lakes Maritime Academy
maritime@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1200
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
Mar 25, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC’s Music Department invites the community to the following spring performances:
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Saturday, April 12 NMC Audio Technology presents Rockin’ Into Spring – Dollars for Scholars. This scholarship benefit concert features Racing Mount Pleasant, formerly known as Kingfisher, and Trillium Groove. Several Audio Tech alumni are among the performers. 7 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are now available.
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Saturday, April 19 NMC Jazz Bands present the Spring Jazz Ensemble Showcase. Josh Wagner, director. 7:30 p.m. Milliken Auditorium. General admission. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. ($20 and $15 at the door.)
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Friday, April 25 NMC Concert Band. Pat Brumbaugh, director. 7:30 p.m., Milliken Auditorium. General admission. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors ($20 and $15 at the door.)
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Sunday, April 27 NMC Children’s Choirs present choral music from around the world at their final concert of the season. Ashley Larimer-Kelly, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Joanna Aldridge and Jamie Moreland, directors. 3 p.m., Lars Hockstad Auditorium. Reserved seating. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors ($20 and $15 at the door.)
Release Date: March 25, 2025
For More Information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
Mar 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Spring is here, the snow is melting and the NMC Library has plenty of items in their Library of Things collection to help you get back outside after this brutal winter!
Play some outdoor games with your friends – from old favorites like cornhole and disc golf, to NEW additions to the collection like pickleball, kubb, giant chess and portable laser tag!
Have an outdoor movie night with our NEW mini projector and portable screen! Just add blankets, some popcorn and your favorite film for a perfectly cozy evening under the stars.
Have a picnic with your loved ones, with our NEW portable picnic table! You can also check out a bluetooth speaker, board games and a puzzle to make for a lovely day in the sun!
Go stargazing with our NEW telescope, or our NEW stargazing kit – complete with a red filter headlamp and flashlight as well as a pocket guide to the night sky!
Browse our full collection of Library of Things in the online catalog.
Mar 19, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
March 19, 2025
Thomas Russell hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but he can’t wait to become a nurse.
The Traverse City Central senior is dual enrolled in medical terminology and a math class at NMC currently. This summer, following his high school graduation, he’ll take Anatomy & Physiology I, followed by A & P II in the fall. Once he completes all those prerequisites, he’ll be eligible to apply to the nursing program.
Russell’s undaunted by the challenges to a profession which, broadly speaking, is still recovering from the powerful impact of the COVID pandemic. At NMC, he has a lot of company, as nursing remains arguably NMC’s most competitive program. Russell, 18, is among 160 students now in a pre-nursing pipeline, at various stages of prerequisite course completion. April 1, applications will open for the 40 available seats in the associate degree program starting this fall.
Grade point average, prerequisite completion, entrance exam score, prior degree status and veteran status all factor into the admission decision, said nursing program director Betsy Boris.
After completion of his prerequisites, Russell will be eligible to apply this fall for spring 2026 admission. He said “a lot of reflection” led him to choose nursing. He’s worked in construction, and found he wanted more interaction with people. He’s been a caregiver to his mother, who has disabilities, and experienced the patient side himself due to a severe allergy as a child.
“At the base of it, it’s just being able to help people,” he said. “I found a very solid grounding in helping people, and what that made me feel like.”
NMC runs the largest nursing program north of Grand Rapids, and graduates provide skilled, proficient patient care. NMC exceeds both Michigan and U.S. average pass rates on the RN license exam, the NCLEX. In 2024, 97% of NMC nursing students passed.
“Application season is always an exciting time for our students as well as faculty and staff, as we welcome future nurses to this challenging yet rewarding and fulfilling field,” Boris said. “NMC is proud to train many of the nurses who go on to work at Munson Healthcare, at nursing homes and in public health, sharing their skills with the entire region.”
Through a partnership with Davenport University, NMC students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The first class of 12 graduated last summer. Another 14 will start this summer.
Right now, Russell is leaning toward long-term care nursing. “Something where I can build a deeper connection with the individual,” he said.
He’ll also be able to take advantage of the Community College Guarantee. As a 2025 high school graduate, the scholarship will cover the cost of his associate degree.
“I’m on top of that,” Russell said. “Very glad and thankful.”
Mar 18, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
By now, many of you have likely heard about the significant reductions at the U.S. Department of Education, where nearly 1,300 employees — almost half the department — were affected by a workforce reduction announced last week. Since the news broke, we have been working to understand the full scope of these changes and what they mean for our students, faculty and staff.
Let me be clear: there are no immediate changes to federal student aid. The Department has confirmed that FAFSA processing, Pell Grants and student loan servicing remain fully operational. Our Financial Aid Office continues to monitor the situation, and if anything changes, students will be notified directly.
At NMC, we are committed to staying ahead of changes that may impact our students. Some federal offices responsible for program oversight and compliance are being restructured, and we are keeping a close eye on any potential long-term effects. Our priority remains the same: ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed.
We recognize that change — even at the federal level — can bring uncertainty. But as always, NMC will continue to adapt, innovate and put students first. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid team at SFS@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1035.
Thank you for being part of NMC. Together, we will navigate these changes with the same commitment to excellence and student success that has always defined our college.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Mar 18, 2025 | Student News
Are you planning to live on campus in one of NMC’s dorms next year? If so, consider becoming a Resident Assistant!
Resident Assistants act as a liaison between other students living in the residence halls and the Residence Life Office. They are responsible for approximately 39-45 residents and works to create of a living/learning center community through the use of educational and social programs. In exchange for your service, your room and board (meal plan) will be waived.
To be considered for an RA position, students should:
- Apply online by April 8 at 4 p.m.
- On students.nmc.edu, go to the Careers section and select Jobs on Campus
- Find and click on the job posting titled Student – Resident Assistant Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
- Read the full job description and click Apply in the top righthand corner to submit your application
- Attend a job shadowing session
- April 10–12 at 8 p.m., 10 p.m., 12 a.m. or 1 a.m.
- Meet in the lobby of East Hall or North Hall
- Attend RA group process
- Sunday, April 13 from 5-7 p.m.
- East Hall basement
- Interviews will be conducted during April 14-18.
For more information, contact Brooklynn Golnick at (231) 995-1411, Corbin Thompson at (231) 995-1408 or Marcus Bennett at (231) 995-1401.
All Resident Assistants must be enrolled half time, have completed one semester of college (12 NMC credits) and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible.
Mar 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC’s Library will be open for special hours during March 23-30.
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- Sunday, March 23 CLOSED
- Monday, March 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 26 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, March 27 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday, March 28 CLOSED
- Saturday, March 29 CLOSED
- Sunday, March 30 CLOSED
Normal operating hours will resume on Monday, March 31.
Mar 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) will close at 7 p.m. each evening on Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 30. Normal operating hours will resume on Monday, March 31.
If you need access after hours, call Campus Security at (231) 995-1111.
Mar 12, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Dear NMC faculty, staff and students,
Support a great cause while having fun at this year’s Big Little Hero Race, an experiential learning project led by students in NMC’s BUS 231 class. This event helps students develop real-world professional communication skills while raising funds for scholarships that allow children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to attend NMC’s College for Kids.
10th Annual Big Little Hero Race Saturday, April 19
9:00 AM – Kickoff @ Northwestern Michigan College
FREE Costumed Fun Run (featuring Captain Hawk Owl!)
5K & 10K Run/Walk – Prizes for best costume and speed
Carnival Games
Hero Egg Hunt (1,000 eggs!)
Award Ceremony
Special Discounts for Educators & Students
This year’s Local Hero Award will honor educators in our community! Teachers and students can register for just $15 using the following discount codes at checkout:
- 5K Student: 5kstudent25
- 10K Student: 10kstudent25
- 5K Teacher: 5kteach25
- 10K Teacher: 10kteach25
Click here to register
Even if you can’t 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, breakfast for two and two rounds of golf at The Jewel!
To enter:
- Visit Give: NMC Foundation at Northwestern Michigan College.
- Select “designate my gift to other” and enter your donation amount ($20 minimum).
- Type “Big Little Hero Race” in the designation field.
One entry per person. The drawing will take place after the race.
Grab your capes, have fun, and make a difference in a child’s life. I am signed up, and looking forward to the event. I hope to see you there!
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
