Success Story: Construction begins on landmark Freshwater Research & Innovation Center

Sep 4, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

September 4, 2025

Construction begins next week on the highly anticipated Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, a landmark project establishing northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.

Located on West Bay in Greilickville, on the campus of Discovery Pier, the $28.9 million project breaking ground Sept. 12 is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University, and 20Fathoms. By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories, and business incubation under one roof, the center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures, and opportunities become careers.

“The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is not only a Michigan asset, it’s a global platform for blue tech innovation,” said Greg Luyt, chair of the Center’s board. “We invite companies, researchers, and funders from around the world to join us as we move ideas from lab to market, build the workforce of tomorrow, and protect our freshwater resources for future generations through innovation.”

NMC, already the only community college with a Great Lakes harbor, will gain another across West Bay. The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, which offers a one-of-a-kind bachelor’s degree in marine technology, will occupy the Center, as well as anchor its research vessel, the Northwestern, there. The 38,000-square-foot building will feature advanced laboratories, business incubation space, and working pier access for research vessels. Areas of focus include autonomous and remote systems, AI, acoustic and observation platforms, water quality technologies, and sustainable marine mobility.

On the AI front, just last week NMC was notified it has been named a co-principal investigator on a $873,634 National Science Foundation grant led by Grand Valley State University. The grant will create a six-week training program focused on artificial-intelligence-enabled deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles. Developed in collaboration with GVSU, training will be provided to 72 individuals in four different cohorts. “The experience and credentials provided by our program will propel these students and professionals to the forefront of their field,” according to the grant proposal.

This is the second National Science Foundation grant awarded to the region for water-related work this year. Earlier this summer, Traverse City startup Wave Lumina won a $305,000 grant supporting the research and development into the science underlying their pioneering product — a portable device that field tests for PFAS, or forever chemicals. Now operating out of NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, Wave Lumina founder Vernon LaLone thinks the Center could be a natural next location when it outgrows its current space.

The building is set to open in spring 2027.

The center has already secured more than $26 million, including $3 million from NMC, in commitments from federal, state, and private funders, with fundraising ongoing. Once complete, the Center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs, and generate research with global applications. Visit freshwatercenter.org to find out more.

Monthly security testing Sept. 8; expect text, email and screen alerts

Sep 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

The safety and security of students, faculty and staff is NMC’s highest priority. We typically test our emergency alert systems the first Monday of each month. Since Sept. 1 was a holiday, this month’s notifications will occur Sept. 8.

With the start of the new semester, we wanted to explain what you will see. Depending on the options you choose when you sign up for emergency alerts, you will receive emails, texts and/or phone messages. In addition, NMC uses a system that displays a full-screen alert message on logged-in NMC computers and campus monitors, and displays the alert until the computer user acknowledges the message or two minutes have passed. This includes classroom computer screens..

Please be sure you have signed up for emergency alerts. Opt in through Self-Service, accessible on your MyNMC page. In addition, store the number to Campus Safety & Security in your phone so it is accessible if you need it: (231) 995-1111.

Success story: More than a makeover, a move forward

Aug 28, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

August 20, 2025

Northwestern Michigan College this week revealed a refreshed brand designed to reflect the college of today and position it to serve the community for years to come, even as higher education grows more competitive.

The research-based, grant-funded brand strategy includes a new logo that builds on the decades of history of NMC’s iconic green pine tree logo, and an updated and expanded color palette. New, multiple shades of blue illustrate NMC’s leadership in freshwater research and careers, including two unique community college bachelor’s degrees, in marine technology and maritime technology.

“A strong NMC brand – what makes us unique and valuable in a challenging higher ed landscape – is an asset, just like our faculty and staff and our campus buildings,” said President Nick Nissley. “Unifying around the NMC brand will enable us to better serve students and attract new ones. We have always been proud of our work; we now have new ways to show and tell our story.”

NMC was awarded a $100,000 grant from Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation in June 2023 to fund the brand assessment and strategy work. More than 600 college stakeholders contributed input via a survey, including current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community/business partners.

In addition, more than 60 interviews were conducted with the same groups, plus local high school counselors and staff. Since COVID, a significant new enrollment challenge has been fewer high school graduates choosing to attend college at all, especially men. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted this challenge to Michigan’s talent pool and economy in her 2025 State of the State address.

The first phase of the refreshed brand is timed to the start of the fall semester and includes new signage on all five campuses, completely redesigned admissions materials, and Welcome Week materials for new and current students. New NMC apparel and other logo gear is also available for sale in the NMC Bookstore.

Future phases of the work will extend the brand to academic division and department levels, with priorities shaped by NMC’s new strategic plan, now in development for 2026-29. The new brand also comes in time for NMC to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026.

“Higher education is evolving rapidly, with more choices, shifting student expectations, and growing competition,” said Diana Fairbanks, associate vice president of strategic communications and change initiatives. “We took a wide-angle view, listening to our community and studying how other colleges position themselves. This brand reflects what makes NMC truly distinctive and equips us to compete more effectively, connect with the next generation of learners, and grow with purpose in the years ahead.”

To find out more, visit nmc.edu/brandnew.

NMC Fitness Center hours

Aug 27, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

NMC’s Fitness Center is located in North Hall and is open to dorm residents as well as NMC employees and enrolled students with a paid membership.

The fall 2025 operating hours are:

Monday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Hours subject to change based on Fitness Center staff availability. There may be times when the Fitness Center is unstaffed; please make sure to sign in and sign out correctly and wipe down any equipment used. NMC’s Fitness Center and its amenities are not available for use when the facility is closed.

For more information contact Marcus Bennett at mbennett@nmc.edu.

New books for August 2025

Aug 11, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.

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Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge semi-finalists announced

Jul 29, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

CONGRATULATIONS to Traverse City’s Wave Lumina, which makes its home in NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, and the nine other teams that surged ahead to the semi-finals of the Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge—an NMC-sponsored competition that addresses important issues facing the Great Lakes and its watershed.

• • Agriwater (Tennessee)
  • Benchmark Labs (New York and California)
  • BlueGreen Services (South Carolina)
  • elerGreen (Ontario, Canada)
  • Global Water Technologies (Indiana)
  • Lacuum (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
  • Lakewater Nutrient Capture (Manitoba, Canada)
  • Meknology (Southfield, Michigan)
  • Sequestro (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
  • Wave Lumina (Traverse City, Michigan)

Michigan is home to four of these innovators, who are on the brink of transforming freshwater science and technology, and will pitch their groundbreaking solutions live via Zoom on August 1 before a panel of judges. The top three pitches will move on to the final round on October 1 at the Oceans25 conference in Chicago!

The stakes are high: $60,000 in prize money! Their ideas could revolutionize how we understand, protect, and utilize our most vital freshwater resources.

New books for July 2025

Jul 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.

(more…)

Success Story: Donated tugboat will expand GLMA job opportunities and save money

Jul 9, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

July 9, 2025

Graduates of the nation’s only freshwater maritime academy will see significantly expanded job opportunities thanks to training beginning this week aboard the first vessel to join its fleet in more than 20 years.

Donated to NMC’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy last fall, the Robinson Bay arrived in Traverse City June 19 fresh off a $500,000 overhaul paid for with federal and donor dollars. It passed U.S. Coast Guard inspection July 2. By the end of summer, up to 36 cadets may complete a 30-day training program aboard it, earning their mate of tow vessel license endorsement (TOAR).

“This will substantially increase their employment opportunities,” said GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach. There are more than 5,000 tow vessels in the U.S. fleet, compared to 350 deep draft vessels where cadets traditionally have sought employment, he said.

The donation, valued at $300,000, will also save GLMA tow vessel leasing costs that have topped $50,000 per year, plus open the opportunity for new credentials. GLMA plans to work with the U.S. Coast Guard on approval for engine cadets to earn Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license endorsement.

The goal is to eventually develop this into a two-year associate degree program to add to the bachelor’s degree in maritime technology that GLMA currently offers.

Joining the T/S State of Michigan, the research vessel Northwestern and two smaller vessels in NMC’s Great Lakes campus harbor, the Robinson Bay will increase the college’s strategic utilization of its unique location on Grand Traverse Bay.

“Most training will be in West Bay. We currently use our other small boats to practice towing with as well as the State of Michigan when available. Additionally, we utilize our simulator to meet program requirements,” said Cary Godwin, GLMA’s lead tow vessel instructor.

The Robinson Bay was constructed in 1958 and substantially rebuilt, including a new engine, in the early 1990s, Achenbach said.

GLMA cadets to begin tow vessel training aboard Robinson Bay

Jul 7, 2025 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY —  NMC Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets will begin training this week aboard the donated tugboat Robinson Bay, the first vessel the Academy has acquired in more than 20 years, expanding job opportunities for graduates of the nation’s only freshwater maritime academy as well as reducing operating costs.

By the end of the summer, up to 36 cadets will have completed a 30-day training program aboard the Robinson Bay, earning their mate of tow vessel license endorsement (TOAR). Most of the training in ship handling, watch standing and tow vessel operation will be conducted in West Bay, with additional trips to Mackinac Island. GLMA’s shoreside simulator, located at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, will also be tapped so cadets can meet requirements.

“The acquisition of the vessel enables GLMA cadets to gain instruction in tow vessel ship handling and operations, and earn tow vessel license endorsements, in addition to unlimited third mate or unlimited third assistant engineer. This will substantially increase their employment opportunities,” said GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach. There are more than 5,000 tow vessels in the U.S. fleet, compared to 350 deep draft vessels where cadets traditionally have sought employment, he said.

Donated by the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the acquisition of the Robinson Bay will save GLMA tow vessel leasing costs that have exceeded $50,000 per year. The Academy has leased a tugboat every summer since 2020.

Having the vessel available year round also means GLMA could offer additional credentials. Plans for later this year include working with the U.S. Coast Guard on approval for engine cadets to earn Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license endorsement.

The goal is to eventually develop this into a two-year associate degree program. GLMA currently offers a bachelor’s degree in maritime technology. Also in development is a plan for a one-day event for professional mariners who have the 30 days sea time but need to complete the Tow Officer Assessment Record, which GLMA faculty can assess.

The Robinson Bay was constructed in 1958 and substantially rebuilt, including a new engine, in the early 1990s, Achenbach said. Valued at $300,000, it was formally acquired by GLMA in October 2024 and handed off in November.

In December 2024 it arrived at a Toledo, Ohio shipyard to undergo the work necessary to use it as a training vessel. The $500,000 cost of that work was covered by federal and donor funds.

In June, GLMA staff traveled to Ohio to sail the ship to Traverse City. On July 2 it passed U.S. Coast Guard inspection and became available for cadet training, the first new vessel to join the Academy’s fleet since the T/S State of Michigan in 2002.

Release date: July 7, 2025

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)

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