NMC Esports‘ Rocket League team comprised of Luke Bobrowski, Maddox Cullimore, Kaden Novath and Grant Shivley won their first Divisional Championship last night! Make sure to congratulate them for representing us on a regional stage. Stay tuned as our Overwatch team is on the cusp of winning an additional championship.
Go Hawk Owls!!!
Mark your calendars! Registration for College for Kids 2025 will open on Monday, February 3 at nmc.edu/kids. Classes will run Monday through Thursday, from June 16 through July 31. Perfect for kids and teens ages 3-17 this summer.
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NMC has added new software that displays emergency alerts on all NMC computers on campus. This system has been integrated into the monthly emergency text, phone and email tests run on the first Monday of each month, and the first test was Monday, Jan. 6.
Learn more about NMC’s emergency alert system and commitment to a safe campus.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Lamb Gyros with pita bread
served with lemon rice and Greek orzo salad
Falafel Gyros with pita bread (V)
served with lemon rice and Greek orzo salad
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry
served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Sesame Tofu Stir Fry (V)
served with basmati rice and egg rolls
Thanksgiving Meal Special ($9.99 per meal)
Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with Italian sausage
served with garlic bread and broccoli
Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni with roasted vegetables (V)
served with garlic bread and broccoli
Hawk Owl Café smashburger with bacon and onion straws
served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries and asparagus
Impossible Burger with cheese & onion straws on brioche (V)
served with garlic aioli, sweet potato fries and asparagus
Traverse City — The NMC Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19 in room 14 (lower level) of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front Street, Traverse City. The meeting notice is available here.
The Board of Trustees will host a study session at 3 p.m. the same day, also in room 14 of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. The meeting notice and agenda are available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Slow-roasted pot roast with gravy. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Roasted sweet potato (V) with kale. Served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Indigenous People’s Dinner with Chef Sam Anglin (served from 4:30 PM – 6:00 p.m.)
$7.00 for students and $14.00 for community members.
Orange popeye chicken bowl with mandarin oranges. Served with rice and bosco sticks.
Baked Tofu Bowl (V) with mandarin oranges. Served with rice and bosco sticks.
Breakfast for Dinner!
Beer-battered cod sandwich with tartar sauce. Served with creamy coleslaw and French fries
BBQ jackfruit (V) with brioche bun. Served with creamy coleslaw and french fries.
TRAVERSE CITY — The Policy Committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 in the President’s Conference Room of the Tanis Building on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Stop by the campus bookstore for new student-made products!
2025 calendars and holiday greeting cards are available until the end of the year—don’t wait! Limited quantities are available.
Have fun meeting new people while learning to swing dance with the NMC Swing Dance Club.
The club meets every Saturday from 7-9 pm in room 120 of the Rajkovich Physical Education Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus. All are welcome.
At Northwestern Michigan College, we’re proud to be a partner in building a stronger, more vibrant community. In a new publication arriving in Grand Traverse County mailboxes next week – our inaugural Community Report – we demonstrate how NMC is improving lives right here, from offering high-quality education and workforce training to supporting local innovation and leadership.
This report shares real stories of student success and community impact, showing how NMC is dedicated to making Grand Traverse County a better place to live, work, and grow. Whether you’re a local resident, business owner, partner or student, you’ll see how NMC is helping shape a brighter future for all of us. For example:
The report will be mailed to Grand Traverse County residents and businesses mid-November. Read the online version here. Request a copy here.
TRAVERSE CITY — Following a national search, interim Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Director and NMC alumnus John Lutchko has been named the permanent GLWSI director, charged with leading the distinctive program forward at a critical juncture.
GLWSI houses NMC’s bachelor of science degree in Marine Technology, the only such degree in the world, along with the new Water Quality & Environmental Technology associate degree and the Freshwater Studies transfer pathway.
“GLWSI and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy represent the college’s commitment to water-based education and workforce development,” said Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives. “John made it clear during a robust national search and interview process that he had the passion, expertise, and vision to drive the Institute forward. I’m excited for what lies ahead under John’s leadership.”
Succeeding GLWSI’s first director Hans Van Sumeren, who left the college in July, Lutchko will lead efforts to enhance GLWSI’s sustainability and efficiency. His work will also include:
“I am thrilled to lead the next chapter of the GLWSI and to build upon our strong foundation. I’m fortunate to work alongside such a fantastic team at NMC and in the broader community as we aim to elevate the institute to new heights,” Lutchko said.
Lutchko has been part of the NMC community for almost 15 years, first as a student in the Freshwater Studies program, graduating in 2013. He served as GLWSI lab coordinator and manager, and has clocked more than 1,000 hours piloting and maintaining ROVs, captaining the R/V Northwestern, and presenting at national conferences on workforce training.
In that previous role, he co-taught many of Marine Tech’s key technical classes and delivered workforce and professional training. He has served on national organizations and at conferences, including the esteemed Marine Technology Society and Oceans 2025.
He has played a key part in the evolution of the Marine Technology program as its focus broadened from ROVs to include hydrographic surveying, remote sensing, and data analysis, resulting in outstanding job placement rates.
Lutchko has also supported numerous research projects, working with NOAA, the National Park Service, and the United States Geological Survey throughout the Great Lakes.
Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning, earlier this year Lutchko completed a master of science degree in Geospatial Technology from Michigan Technological University.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Congratulations to our Trunk or Treat 2024 winners and a big thank you to all of our participants!
Overall Winner
Gone Fishing!
Tyler Kastens
Spookiest
Vampires
Becky Wooters
Most Creative
Women on the Water Pirates
Peyton Abney
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce. Served with crostini and broccoli.
Roasted Vegetables (V) with pesto cream sauce. Served with crostini and broccoli.
Chicken Enchiladas with peppers and onions. Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas (V) with peppers and onions. Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry with roasted pork. Served with basmati rice and egg rolls.
Sweet & Sour Stir Fry (V) with tofu and pineapple. Served with basmati rice and egg rolls.
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage. Served with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
Potato Gnocchi (V) with alfredo sauce. Served with roasted vegetables and garlic bread.
BBQ Pulled Pork on brioche bun. Served with mac & cheese and creamy coleslaw.
BBQ Jackfruit (V) on brioche bun. Served with mac & cheese and creamy coleslaw.
The Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace and meet 30 talented juried artists at the 25th annual Holiday Artist Market on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Admission and parking is free to all. Remember to bring a little cash for our beloved raffle benefiting children’s educational programming at the museum.
Treat yourself to something delicious from Merlyn’s Asian-French Patisserie which will be on site during the market.
More information including a list of participating artistis is available on the Museum Store Website.
NMC staff, faculty and students get 10% off in the Museum Store! Be sure to mention you’re an NMC employee or student at checkout.
Dear NMC Students, Faculty and Staff:
I hope you are having a successful fall semester! As we welcome November, I look forward to spending time with friends and family over a Thanksgiving meal. I am asking for your help to ensure we can all share in this important tradition.
Recently, instructor Kristy McDonald invited me to a business communications class to see their experiential learning project in action. These students are improving their professional communication skills while making a real difference in the lives of others in our community, helping feed the hungry (and affording a bit of Thanksgiving joy).
They believe everyone should experience Thanksgiving, and with our help, we can help make this come true. They are asking us – the NMC family – to join in the efforts and fill the red bins by November 20. You can donate individually or join with your classmates or co-workers to share in the spirit of gratitude! Red collection bins are located in the lobby of the following buildings: Osterlin Building, Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Parsons-Stulen, and the Great Lakes Campus. The class aims to collect:
Community members can help by donating $10 or more to win a variety of prizes, including a Cheese Lady gift basket, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge with water park passes and a $250 gift card, a one-night stay at the Delamar Resort, a $50 gift certificate to Lobdell’s, and other local prizes.
Donations can be made online at nmc.edu/give (Choose the amount, select “designate my gift to others,” and type in “Thanks-for-Giving”). Any additional local companies interested in becoming sponsors of this project are encouraged to contact the students. Employees can also help students apply for a free meal by completing this Google Form (NMC Thanks-for-Giving).
Students are hosting a glow skate event on November 8 at the Howe Ice Arena located in the Traverse City Civic Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Entry is $10 with a $5 skate rental fee.
Having experienced homelessness and food insecurity in my life, I know firsthand what a difference your donation can make for a family in need. I admire these students’ desire to help others this Thanksgiving. Please join me in supporting this effort. For more information or if you have any questions, please email Lily Moon at moon35@mail.nmc.edu or Kristy McDonald at kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Thank you for your help. Together, we can ensure all Hawk Owls have a memorable Thanksgiving!
Nick
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:40–6 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Italian Pasta Bake with meatballs served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts
Italian Pasta Bake (V) with roasted vegetables served with garlic crostini & roasted Brussels sprouts
Beef Tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans
Tofu Tacos (V) with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and chipotle ranch served with tortilla chips, queso blanco & refried beans
Chicken Coconut Curry with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Tofu Coconut Curry (V) with onion and red pepper served with jasmine rice & naan bread
Tandoori Grilled Chicken with rice served with broccoli & naan bread
Tandoori Tofu (V) with rice served with broccoli & naan bread
Crispy Chicken with buffalo sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus
Roasted Cauliflower Steak (V) with chimichurri sauce served with mac and cheese & asparagus
TRAVERSE CITY — As NMC’s Neurodiversity Support Center prepares to expand services to more students, the community is invited to see what’s available at an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in the lower level of Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus.
The NSC debuted in January and served a pilot cohort of seven students with a range of learning differences, including but not limited to anxiety, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. This fall 10 students are enrolled in NSC services, which are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and expand upon what is provided by the college’s office of Disability Support Services.
Of the students in the original pilot, 100 percent succeeded in passing all their classes. Five of them are still enrolled at NMC. One graduated, and another transferred to a four-year university.
In the spring 2025 semester, NSC Coordinator Nancy Gray expects to more than double the number of students served to 15, and increase to 20 by fall 2025 semester.
“Neurodiverse students may need more than the accommodations offered through Disability Support Services, which address primarily academic needs. They may need help and support, in communication, advocacy, socialization and meeting their sensory needs,” Gray said.
“When I came to NMC I was very shy and wasn’t very talkative. The neurodiversity support has helped me with social skills in my everyday life,” said student Freya Simone. “Everyone is very welcoming here, especially the students. It’s a very positive environment.”
An English faculty member, Gray proposed the NSC after spending her 2022-23 sabbatical year researching neurodiversity support services provided by many other colleges and universities. A key component of the NSC, located in Scholars Hall on NMC’s Front Street campus, is training staff how to meet the specific needs of these learners.
An advisory body including neurodiverse students, NMC employees and community partners such as Michigan Rehabilitative Services and Northwest Educational Services assisted Gray in planning and implementing the NSC.
The prevalence of neurodiversity has increased significantly worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate autism spectrum disorder occurs in 1 of every 36 U.S. children, or 2.8 percent. In 2000 the prevalence was 1 in 150. About 11 percent of children have received an ADHD diagnosis, also per the CDC. Both are significantly more prevalent among boys. Anxiety prevalence is estimated at 31.9 percent among adolescents, with females more commonly affected. Co-occurrence of multiple conditions is also common.
“More neurodivergent students are attending college than ever before which is why this type of programming is necessary,” Gray said.
Nancy Gray
Neurodiversity Support Center Coordinator
ngray@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2091
(505) 501-3258 (mobile)
