Jan 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
At the end of January, the NMC Library will host its fifth annual Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud and craft event series — a celebration of Black History Month, diverse characters and the power of reading to break down barriers!
We are counting on NMC employees and student to turn out in large numbers to ensure this program series’ success. Interested in volunteering during one of these events?
NMC Library Read-Aloud & Craft Night
Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:15-6:30 p.m.
Hosted at the NMC Library for preschool through 6th graders
*Volunteer for the entire event or pick a shift!
4th Grade Book Buddies
Friday, Jan. 30, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Book give-away, read-aloud & crafting with fourth grade students at Traverse Heights Elementary School (933 Rose Street, TC)
If you would like to volunteer, fill out the Embrace the Dream Read-Aloud & Craft Event series volunteer form.
Jan 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
Planning to hang flyers or share materials on campus? Before you post, take a moment to review the college guidelines so your message can stay up—and reach the right audience.
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- Post flyers and posters only on designated bulletin boards (one per board, max size 11” x 17”). Include the sponsor name and contact info on all materials.
- Only one copy may be placed on any designated bulletin board. Posting must not cover up any other posting or information.
- Posting on doors, walls, vehicles, or other surfaces isn’t allowed and may be removed.
- Non–date-specific postings may be removed after 21 days; event flyers come down after the event.
- Only the individual or entity responsible for posting the material or NMC Security may remove materials.
- Printed literature may only be distributed in designated areas.
For more information, view the full Posting (D-505.13) policy.
Thanks for helping keep our campus organized and welcoming!
Jan 9, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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Jan 7, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
January 7, 2026
A community cornerstone was born 75 years ago when Northwestern Michigan College opened its doors, establishing itself as the state’s first community college and a reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness that continues today.
NMC is launching its 75th anniversary year by introducing a special 2026 class of Outstanding Alumni — a group of more than five dozen individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities and career fields — as well as a year-long slate of special events.
“The accomplishments of these alumni span an incredible range of professions, from entrepreneurs to health care providers, from law enforcement to elected leadership,” NMC President Nick Nissley said of the class of 2026. “Daily, they embody NMC’s mission to transform lives and enrich our communities.”
The recipients are from every decade since NMC opened its doors in 1951. Some of the more familiar names include current state representatives Betsy Coffia and John Roth, Networks Northwest CEO Janie McNabb, city of Traverse City manager Benjamin Marentette , Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea and author Chasten Buttigieg. It also includes seven current NMC faculty and staff members.
The yearlong anniversary celebration is highlighted by three signature events open to the public:
- April 25: Student and community block party, Front Street campus
- July 25: History walk, Front Street campus
- Sept 19: Anniversary celebration, Great Lakes campus
“In 1951, the community spoke loud and clear — they wanted a college in northern Michigan. Seventy-five years later, that wisdom is reflected in a healthy, thriving NMC,” Nissley said. “We want the community to join us in a celebration of that founding vision, which we plan to carry out for 75 more years.
NMC opened its doors on Sept. 19, 1951. A total of 65 students attended classes held at the Traverse City airport terminal building. Today, more than 3,400 students are enrolled.
NMC has named Outstanding Alumni since 1988. In addition to the class of 2026, the college is honoring all past recipients of the award, as well as NMC’s Fellow award, as Legacy recipients. Visit nmc.edu/75 to see the list.
Jan 5, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 1,193 students who made the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
Dec 19, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
At their meeting on December 15, 2025, the Board of Trustees approved the strategic plan as presented. This document summarizes the strategies, objectives, strategic drivers, and the strategic impact statement of Anchor and Edge, NMC’s new strategic plan. In this preliminary phase of strategic plan development, work continues behind the scenes drafting actions for the thirteen objectives with three deep-dive strategy workshops scheduled for early January. Teams will work to finalize their action steps, identify resourcing needs, and align with internal processes during spring. The official launch of this three-year plan will coincide with the start of FY27 on July 1, 2026.
Strategic Initiatives would like to thank the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, Leadership Council, ESIMT, Faculty and Staff Councils, student groups, ORPE, industry partners, and the many others that provided valuable input and support during the development process. Look for more engagement as objective leads reach out as they implement action steps.
Dec 15, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Fitness Center will have modified operating hours the next few weeks and will be open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday–Friday. It will be closed Dec. 24–Jan. 1 and will reopen with on Friday, Jan. 2.
Normal operating hours will resume Monday, Jan. 12.
Dec 9, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
It’s the perfect time to stop into the Dennos Museum store to do a little holiday gift shopping. The museum and store are open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through December 23!
Members, NMC employees and students will receive DOUBLE DISCOUNTS at 20% off storewide on purchases through Christmas.
Special holiday sales include 25% off jewelry and 30% off calendars, holiday ornaments and holiday cards.
And if you’re not sure what to get, Museum store gift cards are available at a $10 minimum.
As always, the highest discount prevails, and consignment items are not included in special promotions.
Dec 8, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
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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, 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.
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 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.
