Dec 3, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
December 3, 2025
Call it shaken or call it stirred, the beverage industry has seen significant consumer shifts over the last five years.
No longer are choices limited to wine, beer or soda. Now there’s ciders, seltzers and spirits. There’s specialty cocktails, often handcrafted. There’s RTDs, or ready-to-drink cocktails, conveniently bottled or canned. There’s no/lo — as in alcohol — options, also known as mocktails. Plus teas, coffees and waters, all of which can come flavored or infused, handcrafted or RTD.
To serve that rapidly growing and diversifying industry, NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will offer a one-year beverage management certificate beginning fall 2026. Culinary Director Les Eckert said that northwest Michigan’s many wineries, breweries, distilleries and most recently, cideries make the credential a good fit for GLCI.
“We could see the growth happening all around us,” Eckert said. “We knew we had to get involved.”
While there are beverage programs elsewhere in the U.S., GLCI’s stand-alone certificate will be on the leading edge in Michigan. The curriculum also embeds the experiential learning that is an NMC hallmark.
“Given that no single program in Michigan offers a comprehensive blend of beverage training, GLCI knew the timing was right to offer the Beverage Management certificate,” Eckert said.
GLCI introduced a beverage management class (CUL 232) in 2022. That and one other existing course will be part of the certificate, plus 13 new classes.
Those classes are designed to be experiential. Eckert said that up to 50 percent of the certificate’s courses will be conducted off-site, with industry visits built into course descriptions. For instance, NMC currently offers a viticulture certificate in partnership with Michigan State – a relationship that will mark 35 years next year. GLCI can lean into partnerships developed with winery vineyard managers to get students into cellars and tasting rooms.
Graduates will earn two industry certifications (ServSafe, CUL 110, and TIPS) and be prepared to take other industry exams.
“It really opens the doors for you to gain more globally recognized certifications,” Eckert said.
The beverage management certificate is the third new credential to emerge from GLCI’s 2021-22 reimagination process, which engaged the college, GLCI alumni and culinary/hospitality employers in designing changes to increase enrollment, improve financial performance and help students achieve success. In 2023 the college introduced a two-year culinary-maritime certificate, and in 2024 a two-year sports performance nutrition certificate debuted.
Dec 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Students in Cathy Warner’s ENG111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve the future of NMC and the NMC experience.
Students will be presenting their proposals in 20 minute presentation blocks on:
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- Friday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Monday, December 8, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, December, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Friday, December 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Presentations will be held in Scholars Hall, room 109, on NMC’s Front Street Campus.
Topics include creating new classes and programs, next generation general education requirements and developing 21st century skills, improving mental health resources and services, campus safety, campus green spaces, health and wellness, nutrition on campus, and future campus housing.
Faculty, staff, NMC board of trustees, NMC foundation members, and fellow students are invited to attend and support these students as they share their visions for NMC.
View the complete schedule of presentations and topics.
If you’re unable to attend presentations, but want to “see” their ideas, trifold display boards are currently hung on the first floor of Scholars Hall, sharing the many proposals developed this semester. Display boards will be up through December 12.
Dec 1, 2025 | 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, December 1
Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccolini
Roasted Vegetable Fettuccine (V) with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccolini
Tuesday, December 2
Grilled Steak Fajitas with peppers and onions served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Roasted Vegetable Fajitas (V) with peppers and onions served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Wednesday, December 3
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry with roasted pork and pineapple served with basmati rice & egg roll
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry (V) with tofu and pineapple served with basmati rice & egg roll
Thursday, December 4
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage and Alfredo sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Potato Gnocchi (V) with roasted vegetables and Alfredo sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Friday, December 5
BBQ Pulled Pork with brioche bun served with mac and cheese & asparagus
BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Nov 26, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Update: This showing has been postponed until April 2026.
the reason i jump will screen at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4 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.
Nov 25, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Stop by the NMC Campus Bookstore December 8-12 and receive half off all red tag merchandise including apparel, gifts, school supplies and more!
Nov 20, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
November 20, 2025
At a time of year that’s all about gratitude, more than 700 NMC students and their families no doubt have the same thing on their mind: the Community College Guarantee.
Fall semester enrollment rose 47 percent, to 729 students, in the second year of the CCG scholarship, which offers free tuition to high school graduates with no limits on income eligibility. They were awarded $1.41 million to cover NMC tuition. That amount jumped almost 60 percent over the $890,000 awarded in fall 2024.
“It was a relief knowing college would be a lot cheaper. It allows me to save money to go up to (Michigan) Tech,” said Luke Bobrowski (above), a CCG recipient and 2024 graduate of St. Francis High School. He will complete his associate degree at NMC this December, and transfer to MTU next year to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology.
“NMC has a really good transfer program with Tech,” he said.
2025 Traverse City Central High School graduate Sam Roeters had been accepted to Northern Michigan University and thought she wanted to attend a large university. After she heard about the CCG, she changed her mind. Her first semester has confirmed she made the right call.
“I’m quite glad that I decided to go to NMC,” Roeters said. “The ratio of students to professors is so much lower.”
Bobrowski found attending NMC doesn’t mean sacrificing a well-rounded college experience. Through participating on an Esports team, playing Frisbee golf on campus, and using the NMC Fitness Center and music studios, Bobrowski described NMC as a community and fun.
Bobrowski also dual-enrolled at NMC while a senior at St. Francis, which allowed him to get through his associate degree coursework quicker.
“I actually cut off a whole semester, and saved a bunch of money,” he said.
Roeters plans to join a club next semester.
“Everybody’s pretty friendly,” she said. “I really do love what I’ve experienced at NMC so far.”
Part of Michigan’s Sixty by 30 initiative to increase the education level of the state’s workforce, the Community College Guarantee was first offered to the high school class of 2024, but not until July 2024, after many students had already made college plans. The CCG offers free in-district tuition. Those who live outside NMC’s district (Grand Traverse County) can still get most of their tuition paid by applying other scholarships and grants toward the difference between out of district and in-district rates.
Students have 15 months after high school graduation to initially enroll. Find out more at nmc.edu/guarantee.
Nov 18, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Looking for unique gifts for this holiday season? Check out the holiday gift guide on the NMC Campus Bookstore’s website at bookstore.nmc.edu. You’ll find ideas for gifts for everyone on your list!
Nov 18, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC students are collecting donations of socks, underwear and trial size deodorants on behalf of Central Church Community Outreach | United Way of Northwest Michigan to help those experiencing homelessness in Traverse City.
This sock/underwear drive is being organized by students in Melissa Sprenkle’s ENG 111 classes as part of their work on National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week projects.
Donations can be dropped off in the Communications Area office in Scholars Hall, room 214 from November 17 through December 3.
For questions, please reach out to Melissa Sprenkle at msprenkle@nmc.edu
Nov 18, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Don’t forget: Every Thursday at the NMC Campus bookstore is a different sale! Stop by to check out the great deals—just in time for the holidays!
Nov 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC will close for the Thanksgiving holiday starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 30. The closure includes the NMC Library and Fitness Center, both of which will reopen Monday, Dec. 1 with normal hours.
The Hawk Owl Café will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and reopen Sunday between 2 and 6 p.m. The Self-Service Kiosk will remain available 24 hours a day.
The Dennos Museum Center will close Thursday and Friday and reopen with normal hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Nov 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Spring textbooks will be available Dec. 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.
Looking to use financial aid to pay for your books? Financial aid can be used to purchase books for spring classes Dec. 8–Jan. 28.
Fall textbook rentals need to be returned to the Campus Bookstore by Tuesday, Dec. 16. Books that have been purchased can be sold back during Dec. 8 – 12.
Nov 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The NMC Food Pantry team is looking for a few volunteers to help keep the pantry well stocked and organized. In our eight years of operation, this is our busiest season yet! If you are interested in stepping up, please take a look at what we need and let us know how you’d like to help. Interested volunteers can contact Joelle Hannert at jhannert@nmc.edu. Thank you!
Food Drive Helping Hands
Monday, November 24, 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Musician Luke Winslow King is holding a food drive at his November 23 Dennos Concert Series event in support of the NMC Food pantry. Help us move, unpack and organize the goods on Monday, November 24.
Sign up to help with the Food Drive unpacking here. Learn more about the concert and get tickets here.
Liaison to Christ Church Pantry
Ongoing
Work with our neighbor pantry at Christ Church (near the Civic Center) to pick up bread and other extra food they have available and stock it in the NMC Pantry. Shifts could be weekly or biweekly, and someone from the pantry team would come along with you the first time to support you as you learn the process.
Requirements: This volunteer would need to have a vehicle with space enough to haul about 4 crates of food at a time (a car or SUV with a trunk and/or clean backseat would be fine). They would need to be available either Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. They would need to be able to lift and carry boxes up to 25 pounds.
Liaison to Bubbie’s Bagels
Ongoing
Work with our neighbors at Bubbie’s Bagels to pick up their day-old bagels and stock them in the pantry.
Requirements: This volunteer would need to have a vehicle with enough space to haul food (a car or SUV with a trunk and/or clean backseat would be fine). They would need to be able to lift and carry boxes up to 25 pounds.
Food Pantry Runner
Ongoing
Our small food pantry team could really use a helper who can run sporadic pickups for us to and from local stores. The specific needs would be varied; the volunteer would coordinate with the food pantry team via email to get things done.
Requirements: The ideal volunteer for this position would have a schedule open enough to run one to two errands per month during NMC business hours, be organized, and have a vehicle with enough space to haul food (a car or SUV with a trunk and/or clean backseat would be fine). They would need to be able to lift and carry boxes up to 25 pounds.
Mobile Food Pantry
December 1, 3-5 p.m.
Help distribute food via the mobile food pantry on Monday, Dec. 1 in the Maple Parking Lot. Folks interested in helping out on this date should contact Cathy Warner at cwarner@nmc.edu.
Nov 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Holiday greeting cards designed by the students in the Visual Communications 220 class are available for purchase at the NMC Campus Bookstore! The proceeds of the sale of the cards goes directly back to the students; this is a great way to support students as part of your holiday shopping!
Nov 13, 2025 | Student News
NMC is a leader in offering experiential learning opportunities, which help you develop durable skills such as communication, resilience, empathy, initiative, creative problem-solving and teamwork. These are essential skills for work and life. The nEXt endorsement showcases these experiences as a transcript credential, alongside the degree or certificate you’re also earning at NMC. It’s an innovative way for you to demonstrate your mastery of these essential durable skills that, heretofore, were not fully addressed by colleges but are highly sought after by employers. If you want to add the nEXt Endorsement to your resume, sign up today by completing the nEXt endorsement signup form.
As a nEXt participant, you have access to resources, mentorship and funds to help you complete experiences that qualify for the endorsement. Funds could help pay for expenses including gas, travel, conference fees and events. Classroom and extracurricular experiences are eligible. If you’re already a nEXt participant interested in receiving grant funding, submit a nEXt resource grant application for consideration.
To learn more, visit the Experiential Learning Institute online, stop by the ELI office in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 103 or email elinstitute@nmc.edu.
Nov 11, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to join NMC students on Wednesday, Nov. 19 for the tenth annual Walk for Health and Housing, a guided tour of downtown Traverse City from the perspective of people experiencing homelessness and the providers who serve them.
Ryan Hannon, leader of Central Outreach, will lead participants on the 90-minute walk departing from the rear entrance of Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. Central Outreach is a hub of services for people without housing in the area. Tour stops will highlight service and volunteering opportunities, including the Government Center, where participants will learn ways citizens can provide input and get involved.
Free parking will be available beginning at 5 p.m. in Municipal Parking Lot B on North Cass Street.
The walk is a part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, happening Nov. 16-20. Led by NMC faculty Lisa Blackford, Brandon Everest, and Melissa Sprenkle, students in NMC social work, sociology and English classes have collaborated on projects to support the week since 2015.
In addition to the walk, this year’s activities include individual and group community service, an underwear/sock drive, development of awareness posters and engagement with community leaders in a series of panel discussions on understanding homelessness, housing insecurity and food insecurity. All activities are examples of Experiential Learning at NMC. EL actively engages the learner through relevant and ongoing experiences, critical problem solving and reflective practices.
In addition to NMC and CUMC, the walk is sponsored by the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.
Release date: November 5, 2025
For more information:
Lisa Blackford
Faculty, Social Sciences Area
lblackford@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1294
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
Nov 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Through a partnership with Anu Sushi, a refugee-founded sushi company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, sushi purchased from the Hawk Owl Café during the third quarter provided 620 meals, along with shelter and supplies, for at-risk children in Myanmar!
Sushi is available on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 11 a.m. in the grab-and-go cooler at the Hawk Owl Café (while supplies last).
Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Menu, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café will run a Thanksgiving special on Tuesday, Nov. 18! Each meal costs $9.99 and includes turkey or quinoa-stuffed acorn squash, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, fresh rolls with butter and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The special will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m., or while supplies last.
Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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