Fall exhibitions and programs at The Dennos celebrate Michigan artists and creativity

Aug 24, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The Dennos Museum is excited to announce our fall exhibition and program offerings. This season celebrates the diversity and richness of our state’s artistic and creative talent through solo and group exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops, and at the beloved Holiday Artist Market and in The Dennos Museum Store. Discover something new, create with, and support a variety of Michigan makers this fall.

The unofficial kick-off to fall begins with the opening of Full Circle: Plastic Waste Transformations on August 28 by Traverse City-raised artist Simon Anton. He will be returning to the area with objects built in his Detroit studio over the last 12 years.. Then, join us for the fall opening reception for Darryl Brown’s (St. Ignace) Bubbles of Love and Material World: Ten Women on September 23. Darryl Brown is a registered member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians and describes his work as native pointillism and modern primitive. Material World: Ten Women comes to The Dennos from the Muskegon Museum of Art and features 10 Michigan women artists using traditional and non-traditional materials in surprising ways, often taking viewers’ expectations and flipping them on their heads. Also opening to the public that evening will be Drawing to Motion: Contemporary Inuit Artwork from The Dennos Museum.

“Igniting curiosity has always been central to our work at The Dennos,” said Craig Hadley, Executive Director and Chief Curator at the museum. “Visitors to The Dennos this fall will have ample opportunity to engage their curiosity through our Inuit art and permanent collections. In addition, our three new temporary exhibitions explore contemporary Inuit drawings, highlight the significant contributions of Michigan women artists, and celebrate the extraordinary work of painter Darryl Brown. Now is the perfect time to come back and reengage with The Dennos if you haven’t seen us recently.”

As we step into a new season following our summer brand launch, The Dennos invites you to connect, reflect, and create through a dynamic schedule of public programs. From mindful “slow looking” sessions to hands-on workshops with featured exhibition artists like Darryl Brown, there are countless ways to engage with the arts at The Dennos. Enjoy live music, community film screenings, and family-friendly seasonal celebrations for visitors of all ages!

Curator of Education and Exhibitions Liz Celeste remarks, “the museum always transforms into a hub of activity and connection during the fall semester. I’m really excited to be partnering again with long-time collaborators like the Traverse Area District Library, Children’s Therapy Corner, and Full Tilt Comedy to bring back programs that draw more and more visitors each year, as well as, to invite numerous exhibiting Michigan artists to engage directly with visitors in dialogue during several planned artist talks throughout the season.”

Additional programs and details may be added throughout the season. To stay up to date on all that is happening at The Dennos, sign-up for our e-newsletter or visit our website at www.dennosmuseum.org/events. 

Fall 2026 Exhibitions

Full Circle: Waste Plastic Transformations
Aug. 28, 2026 — Aug. 8, 2027
In Full Circle: Waste Plastic Transformations the Traverse City raised artist Simon Anton returns to the area with a body of sculpture and design objects built over the last 12 years at his Detroit Studio for his solo exhibit at The Dennos. Using plastic sourced from Detroit neighborhoods, factory waste and the automotive industry, Anton creates art and design objects that blur the line between sculpture and design, material science and sustainability. His work has been shown at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Carnegie Museum and Salone de Mobile amongst others. For The Dennos, Anton is showing a combination of experimental wall works and functional design objects.

Material World: Ten Women
Sept. 24, 2026 — Jan. 3, 2027
Material World: Ten Women, an invitational exhibition organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art, features women artists working with non-traditional materials or using traditional materials in non-traditional ways. The exhibition highlights the use of the physical characteristics of material and technique as a component of both visual and conceptual themes. Many of the works use found objects common to the everyday household, or bring elements from nature into inside spaces. Painting, sculpting, weaving, and assemblage merge in surprising ways throughout the show — crocheted metal wire is transformed into complex organic shapes, steel rod is welded into traditional vessel forms and animal shapes, paintings are cut apart and reassembled on the loom, birch bark becomes quilt-like in complex geometric arrangements, and quilts become soft sculptures and drawings, amidst many other approaches that surprise and delight. The participating artists are: Marcelyn Bennett-Carpenter, Boisali Biswas, Elizabeth Brandt, Kristin Casaletto, Kim Cridler, Nanci LaBret Einstein, Hattie Mendoza Lee, Anne Mondro, Mary Stoppert, and Susan Yamasaki.

Darryl Brown: Bubbles of Love
Sept. 24, 2026 — March 28, 2027
Bubbles of Love is a creative expression that goes beyond the imagination to unlock the magic hidden in this original style. Bubbles of Love is a quantum bridge for serious appreciation of the circumpunct alchemy in time and space. Bubbles of Love is a dreamscape of both primitive and modern juxtaposed color and a whimsical journey that blends Atavistic Animism with a pure discovery in the moment and from different angles. The colors, the paints and the textures makes Bubbles of Love a fun filled mystery, each painting fulfills the promise, if you explore the canvas, you are certain to discover more and more.

About Darryl Brown Medidegwe Anamosh (Barking Dog)
Darryl “Barking Dog” Brown is a poet and a writer of mystical journeys, prophecy, and life lessons. He is also a three-time award winning painter, including an award from the National Congress of American Indians. His art is described as Atavistic Surrealism, Pointillism, Juxtaposition, and he has developed the Alchemy of Arts with meditation and healing with Emotional and Spiritual colors. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Darryl to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs in 2019. He is currently serving a second, three year term. He is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians.

Drawing to Motion: Contemporary Inuit Artwork from The Dennos Museum
Sept. 24, 2026 — May 30, 2027
While many visitors are familiar with the Dennos Museum’s extensive collection of multiple prints and carvings of hardstone and ivory, few are aware of the growing collection of drawings and new media animations in our holdings. Drawing to Motion highlights these distinct forms, expanding our contemporary understanding of Inuit artmaking. From spiritual and physical transformations to modes of transportation and scenes of daily life, this exhibition provides an intimate view into the hand-drawn and animated-by-hand world of Inuit artists from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Fall Programs at The Dennos

Tour Tuesdays
Tuesdays, 12 p.m.
Come to the museum and join an informal tour of our current exhibitions with one of our docents. Tours are free with museum admission and will begin at 12pm. Please meet by the front desk a few minutes before the tour begins.

Second Sunday Art Projects
Second Sundays, 1-3 p.m.
Come to the museum and take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From printmaking to weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.  Second Sunday projects are included with admission to the museum.

Artist Talk Simon Anton
Friday, Aug. 28, 5-6:30 p.m.
Join us for the opening day of Simon Anton’s Full Circle: Plastic Waste Transformations. Learn more about how he blends sculpture, design, and sustainability in his work. Limit of 50.

Full Circle Reception
Friday, Aug. 28, 6:30-8 p.m.
Join us immediately following Anton’s artist talk for an evening  reception with a cash bar. No ticket necessary.

Silent Disco Dance Party
Friday, Aug. 28, 8-11 p.m.
Get ready to boogie to your choice of three DJs under the illuminating glow of a new art installation by Simon Anton in the sculpture court of the Dennos. FREE for NMC Students and museum members. All ages welcome.

The Art of Being Present: A Slow Looking Series 
Every other Wednesday, 10 a.m.
In a world of 8-second scrolls, when was the last time you truly saw something? Join us at The Dennos for a refreshing departure from the rush of daily life. Modern health studies have shown that regular museum engagement acts as a powerful non-pharmacological intervention, lowering anxiety and promoting mental clarity. Each session in this series is a standalone invitation to quiet the noise and dive deep into just two or three select artworks. Through guided “slow looking” techniques with the museum curator, we’ll move past first impressions to discover the hidden narratives, intricate textures, and emotional resonance waiting beneath the surface. No art background is required—just a pair of eyes and a moment of your time. Register with NMC Extended Education

• Sept. 2, Anatomy of Stillness
• Sept. 16, Spirit & Stone
• Sept. 30, Architecture of Light
• Oct. 14, Mixed Media
• Oct. 28, Micro v. Macro
• Nov. 11, Narrative Silence

Fall Exhibit Reception
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6 p.m.
Join the fun for our fall reception! Doors will open at 5:45pm. Enjoy an evening with light refreshments and a cash bar. Each guest will receive one drink ticket upon arrival. Members get free admission and double discounts in the Museum Store the night of the event. Guests of members and the public are welcome to attend at the cost of admission. Please RSVP in advance.

Lindsay Lou
Friday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
Lindsay Lou is commonly dubbed the Queen of festivals she plays as someone you’re highly likely to see sitting in with other bands and curating All Stars sets in addition to playing her own music. Her roots are in Michigan, where she started making records, including the artist defining Ionia, and touring worldwide with The Flatbellys and The Sweet Water Warblers. Since making Nashville her home, she’s toured with her folk/rock Queen of Time Band and acoustic/harmony driven Honey Moon Trio and has celebrated records like Southland and Queen of Time. She’s a bringer together of people and a purveyor of buttery, sweet, meaningful experience. In whatever ensemble she chooses to deliver her sound, you hear the common thread of her love for traditional music and authentic new songs inspired by it.

Artists Talk: Material World
Friday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m.
Join us at The Dennos for a panel discussion with artists from Material World: Ten Women. We’ll learn more about their artistic practice and gain more insight into the ways their work intersect and differ from one another.

How Do They Do That? Creating Memorable Exhibitions at The Dennos
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
What does it take for a museum to create polished museum exhibitions? How does a museum install large artworks, take care of taxidermied polar bears, light exhibitions, and position artwork for the best visitor experience? Join Chelsie Niemi, Audience Engagement Manager at The Dennos, for a guided tour that is guaranteed to leave you thinking about museums in an entirely new way! Bring your questions and some comfortable walking shoes. Register with NMC Extended Education

Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday, Oct. 12
Free
Join The Dennos and the Traverse Area District Library for storytime at 11am to kick off a free day of learning, celebration, and community as we honor the vibrant and enduring cultures of indigenous peoples. 

Oryana Presents: Food and Country 
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m.
$5 with all proceeds benefiting Great Lakes Incubator Farm. Tickets will be available through Oryana.
Food and Country offers an eye-opening look at the US food system. Explore the very human toll of industrialized agriculture and food manufacturing, a monolithic enterprise that is equal parts entrenched and precarious. We’re joined by a selection of agriculture and food-focused non-profits to help patrons learn more about the impact of today’s farming realities, including: Groundwork, Crosshatch, FLOW, and SEEDS.

Northwood Improvisers
Friday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Northwoods Improvisers! The band formed in 1976 in Traverse City by Mike Johnston, Mike Gilmore and John Plough. Originally a total improvising electro-acoustic ensemble, they switched to an all acoustic instrumentation in 1980. Greatly influenced by the Spontaneous Music Ensemble and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, they combine free jazz, indigenous music from around the world, bop and improvisation. The ever morphing group is currently comprised of bassist Mike Johnston, drummer Nick Ashton, Dominic Bierenga and Donovan Boxey on wind instruments, violinist Mike Khoury, Jack O’Brien on cello and bass, and Tony Holland on sax.

Halloween For All
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free
Join The Dennos, Children’s Therapy Corner, Children’s Advocacy Center, TADL Youth Services, and Oryana for the fourth annual sensory-friendly Halloween event! We will have a variety of fun activities, being mindful of diverse sensory needs and accommodations to create an inclusive environment where all are welcome! Visitors may self-select activities they would like to participate in, with descriptive maps and communication boards provided at the entrance to the museum. Halloween activities will include pumpkin decorating, playdough creations, scratch art projects, coloring and activity pages, Discovery Gallery interactive exhibits, and a special Halloween treat scavenger hunt through the museum.  The Dutmers Theater will be a designated quiet room, offering an easily accessible space to take a break.  Although the museum has made considerations for a variety of sensory needs for this event, families are encouraged to bring any accommodations that may be helpful. Questions about the event can be directed to Liz Celeste at eceleste@nmc.edu. This event is free and registration is not required, but recommended. Event support provided by Oryana Community Co-Op and the Linda O’Meara Fund for Arts Education.

Mock Tours at The Dennos: Halloween Edition
Friday, Oct. 30, 7 & 9:30 p.m.
Back for a third time, join Full Tilt Comedy and The Dennos for a Halloween-themed improv experience that reimagines the museum through the eyes of ghosts, ghouls, and the hilariously undead. Professional improvisers pose as fictional docents, leading you on a spirited (and entirely made-up) tour of the galleries. Choose from two tour times: 7pm for a post trick-or-treat or 9:30pm for a darker, more mischievous museum romp. Your ticket includes one drink ticket and spooky snacks.

Holiday Artist Market
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
Get in the holiday spirit during this two-day market featuring over 30 Michigan artists. Enjoy treats from Merlyn’s Patisserie, a curated collection of handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and holiday cards in our Museum Store Holiday Corner, and enter the raffle benefiting K-12 tours. 

Darryl Brown Artist Talk
Friday, Nov. 13, 4 p.m.
Where alchemy meets color, fantastic realities take shape. Join artist Darryl Brown as he transports us into his imaginative world. In this talk, you’ll discover the process behind his rich tapestries, deeply layered paintings, and custom tools that power his unique vision.

Darryl Brown Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-3 p.m.
Step into the studio with Darryl Brown. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore the intersection of color and texture to bring your own vibrant vision to life.  Guided by Darryl’s approach to creative intuition, this workshop is perfect for makers of all skill levels looking to expand their visual language and experiment with new techniques. All materials provided.

Henhouse Prowlers
Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.
The kinship between Ben Wright (banjo), Chris Dollar (guitar), Jon Goldfine (bass), and Jake Howard (mandolin) is palpable, the four having traveled to places most would never predict. Using these experiences as a foundation, there’s truly no limit to where this Chicago-based quartet will go – literally and figuratively.

Museum Store Sunday
Sunday, Nov. 29
Free
Support your local art museum and shop with purpose while enjoying special discounts and treats!

Solstice Silent Disco
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 6-9 p.m.
Join us just after sundown and celebrate the longest night of the year! Grab a pair of wireless headphones that give you the option to decide your musical vibe and you head to the dance floor or mingle in the galleries. Warm drinks and food will be available to keep the solstice spirits bright. Cash bar for those 21+. This event is open to all ages and sponsored by Oryana Co-Op. Parental guidance is advised.

About The Dennos

The Dennos builds community, sparks conversation, and inspires change for audiences of all ages through its exhibitions, programs, and the collection and preservation of art.

The Museum’s signature collection is Inuit art of the Canadian Arctic, one of the largest and most historically complete collections of these distinctive sculptures and prints in the United States. A significant collection of outdoor sculptures by noted international and Michigan artists surrounds the Museum on the beautiful campus of Northwestern Michigan College. The Museum expanded its original building in 2018, adding new galleries and auditorium spaces with wide support from the community. In 2021, the Dennos was honored with an invitation to join the Smithsonian affiliates program, becoming one of just six organizations to do so in the state of Michigan.

Learn more at dennosmuseum.org or shop our museum store at shop.dennosmuseum.org. 

Release date: Aug. 14, 2026

For more information:

Craig Hadley
Executive Director
chadley@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1572

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IAF announces 33rd season | U.S. intelligence, five years after fall of Kabul, Iran & Middle East instability, CIA & Ukraine

Aug 24, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The International Affairs Forum (IAF) at Northwestern Michigan College opens its 33rd season of public dialogue addressing critical global issues in northern Michigan. Fall events sequence features distinguished diplomats, intelligence leaders, foreign correspondents, foreign policy scholars, and the organization’s 2nd Annual Gala fundraiser. For media inquiries, including speaker interview requests, contact via information below. Upcoming events include:

September 3 | Five Years After the Fall of Kabul: The Afghan Connection in Traverse City | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. with Amb. Greta C. Holtz, President & CEO of AmidEast and former U.S. Ambassador to Oman (2012–2015). Moderated by Karen Puschel Segal, retired U.S. Diplomat and Coordinator for the Afghan Migrant Ministry Project (AMMP) in Traverse City. In person event. Off-record community dialogue. Free event, registration required. Event details

September 17 | U.S. Intelligence in the 21st Century | 6 p.m. reception | 7 p.m. program with Paul Hollingsworth, President of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers and former CIA Senior Executive. IAF’s inaugural Segal Diplomacy Series lecture presented in memory of Jack Segal (1945-2026) and in recognition of Karen Puschel Segal, with event underwriting provided by Laura Stein Goldfeder & Leigh Stein McNamara. Event details

October 15 | 2nd Annual IAF Gala: An Evening of Political Insight & Global Perspective with Candy Crowley | 6 – 9 p.m. at The Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus, Northwestern Michigan College. The International Affairs Forum invites the community to its 2nd Annual Gala fundraiser featuring Candy Crowley, award-winning journalist, former CNN Chief Political Correspondent, and host of State of the Union with Candy Crowley. Note: This special fundraising event is not included with regular IAF membership; separate ticket purchase is required. Tables & sponsorship opportunities are available. Event details

October 20 | This Cursed Beautiful Land: A Russian-American Story | A National Writers Series event presented with IAF as promotional partner, featuring Evan Gershkovich, centering on the revelatory memoir from the Wall Street Journal reporter who was wrongly imprisoned in Putin’s Russia for more than a year, a glimpse inside the perils and contradictions of a country in the midst of autocracy. This partner event is not included with regular IAF membership; separate ticket purchase is required from NWS. Event details

October 22 | Iran, Middle East Instability & National Security | 6 p.m. reception | 7 p.m. program with Javed Ali, Associate Professor of Practice at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, and former official with the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Event underwriting provided by Eleanor Lynn. Event details

November 12 | Boiling Point: How America Brought War To Ukraine | 6 p.m. reception | 7 p.m. ET program with Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times foreign correspondent, award-winning writer & bestselling author; Senior Fellow in International & Public Affairs, Watson School of International & Public Affairs, Brown University. Book sales & signing facilitated by Artemis Books & Goods. Event details

About the International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College

Mission
The mission of the International Affairs Forum is to advance the understanding of critical global issues through education and public dialogue. IAF is a community-supported program of Northwestern Michigan College and an affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America.

Events
All regular season events are open to the public. Tickets are required. Presentations begin at 7:00 PM & receptions begin at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted. Visit TCIAF.com for advance in-person tickets and online livestream access: $20 per person purchased in advance, $23 per person at the door, or $10 for online livestream access. For in-person tickets on event days, purchase at the door while seats remain. Current students, educators, and active-duty military members receive free admission with required check in. For in-person tickets, online livestream tickets, and all event details, visit tciaf.com.

Community Support | Membership
The International Affairs Forum is a member-supported global affairs education series and a program of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC). The organization was founded in 1994 by a group of citizens eager to learn more about our nuanced world through speaker events with invited experts. IAF welcomes new members and sponsors for its 33rd season September 2026 – June 2027. Memberships start at $100 for individuals or $200 for two people. All memberships include in-person admission and online access to all regular season events. Learn more about membership, event sponsorship, and opportunities to support at tciaf.com/support. 

Release date: August 24, 2026

For more information:

Alex Tank
Director
International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College
(231) 995-1844
atank@nmc.edu

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Registration open for NMC fall community classes

Aug 21, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education & Training announces the release of its Fall Catalog, featuring over 150 diverse learning options for adults and youth alike. The catalog is now accessible online at www.nmc.edu/ees and registration is open for all classes. Tuition waiver benefits apply for full-time NMC employees and their dependents. Adjunct employees should inquire about benefits at the time of registration.

Designed to inspire curiosity both at home and abroad, this fall’s newly launched programming introduces a diverse range of immersive experiences. Highlights include a contemporary art series developed in collaboration with the Dennos Museum Center, interactive thematic culinary evenings, and an international excursion to Poland. Each thoughtfully designed program promises to deliver memorable, high-impact learning opportunities.

Alongside these new custom experiences, this fall also marks the return of many informal and short courses, spanning an array of captivating topics. Taught by local experts, topics include culinary, art, recreation, nature, music, fitness, technology, and more. Classes are perfect for individual learners as well as couples, friends, and parents or grandparents with kids.

Beyond community classes, NMC Extended Education & Training also extends its offerings to businesses and individuals looking to upskill. Custom training programs and corporate retreats are available; tailored to meet the specific needs and objectives of organizations. For more information, complete this form. Adult learners looking to take their career to the next level can connect with Student Navigator, Shirl Martin for help finding a flexible training program or new career path. Get started today by calling 231-995-1700 or emailing shmartin@nmc.edu.

This fall Extended Education begins a new chapter in the Parsons-Stulen building at NMC’s Aero Park Campus. Their walk-in office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To view the full range of classes and reserve your seat, visit www.nmc.edu/ees. To request a printed catalog, email ees@nmc.edu.

Release date: august 18, 2026

For more information:

NMC Extended Education & Training
ees@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1700

Non-Discrimination Policy Notice

Neurodiversity Support Center

Aug 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

Do you identify as autistic? Do you have ADHD, OCD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia or other neurodiversity? Yeah? Did you know NMC has a Neurodiversity Support Center (NSC)? We do! Come check us out. We’re in the lower level of Scholars Hall (room 13) and are open Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. We’ve got a sensory-friendly space to come hang out, study, meet others, or just take a break.

We also host a weekly seminar (Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. in SH 09) where we explore team-building, self-advocacy, social skills, awareness campaigns and events, and more!

We know college can be a lot. We know it’s not always easy. We know it can sometimes feel alienating or lonely. But you’re not alone. NMC is full of connections and support. It’s full of belonging. The NSC wants to be a part of that. Come check us out – we’d love to see you!

NMC recognizes Summer Dean’s List students

Aug 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 212 students who made the summer semester Dean’s List, 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.

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Cherry Lot closed until Nov. 1

Aug 13, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

Fall semester parking heads up! Due to the ongoing construction of NMC’s geothermal project, the Cherry Lot will not be available for parking on the Front Street campus through October. This major clean energy investment by NMC will reduce carbon emissions and natural gas consumption by the five buildings served by more than 90 percent. In the meantime, expect parking across campus to be tighter than usual, especially between the peak hours of 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Please allow extra time to find parking and to reach your destination through Nov 1.

As with all construction projects, the schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change. We will keep you informed if the schedule changes. Thanks for your patience. 

Car & Truck Show expands into Block Party

Aug 12, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

TRAVERSE CITY — The community is invited to celebrate a double milestone Sept. 12: the 20th annual free Mike McIntosh Memorial Car & Truck Show & Block Party showcasing NMC’s trade and technical programs, and NMC’s 75th anniversary.

A longtime September tradition at NMC’s Automotive Service Technology building on Aero Park Drive, the car show honors the legacy of the late NMC automotive instructor Mike McIntosh, who retired in 2004 after 34 years of service. McIntosh organized the first car show for the Automotive program in 2004, launching what has become a beloved annual community event.

In honor of the college’s 75th anniversary, this year’s event has been expanded into a block party. Aero Park Drive will close to through traffic so students, alumni, local businesses and community members can come together for a full day of classic cars, food trucks, music and family-friendly activities across the Aero Park Campus, 2510-2600 Aero Park Drive.

All events are held rain or shine Saturday, Sept. 12:

• 10 a.m. –2 p.m.: Block Party. Visit NMC’s Automotive Technology, Aviation, Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Welding Technology programs. Enjoy food trucks, music, family friendly activities and games and a silent auction.
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Car enthusiasts will display their classic cars, 4X4s, dragsters, sports cars, modified late models, motorcycles and more at NMC’s Automotive Services Building, 2510 Aero Park Drive.

Admission is free. There is a $20 entry fee per vehicle for auto show contestants, and vehicle registration begins at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit NMC’s Automotive Program and scholarships.

Parking is available on site. BATA buses will still run their loop route from the Front Street campus to Aero Park.

Learn more about NMC’s 75th anniversary celebration, which runs throughout 2026.

Release date: August 10, 2026

For more information:

Augusta Kummer
NMC Admissions
(231) 995-1082
akummer@nmc.edu

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Lakebed 2030 Conference

Aug 10, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

With less than 15% of the Great Lakes currently mapped, unlocking the full potential of the world’s largest surface freshwater system is a critical environmental and economic imperative. Join leading experts across science, policy, government, and technology at the Lakebed 2030 Conference September 15–17, 2026 at NMC’s Great Lakes Campus (virtual options available). Hosted by the Marine Center, this premier summit brings together visionaries to harness high-resolution mapping data, showcase groundbreaking marine technologies and forge cross-sector strategies to protect vital freshwater resources and drive economic vitality across the region. 

Key Event Highlights:

• • Dates: September 15–17, 2026
  • Location: Traverse City, MI (in-person and virtual options available)
  • Who Should Attend: Industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, technology developers and environmental stewards
  • Core Focus: High-resolution lakebed mapping, collaborative data sharing and cutting-edge marine technology advancements

Don’t miss your chance to be at the forefront of Great Lakes discovery and stewardship—register today! Registration is $275 for in-person attendance and $155 for virtual participation.

New addition to the Campus Safety & Security fleet

Aug 4, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

Exciting news! NMC Campus Safety & Security just received a brand new blue Polaris ATV to more effectively patrol the Front Street Campus!

Keep an eye out for our officers cruising smoothly across campus to ensure everyone stays safe and supported.

NMC Security: New emergency testing methods begin Aug. 3

Jul 27, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

At NMC, our first priority is to keep our entire college campus community safe. As part of that commitment, earlier this year NMC invested in a new, faster emergency notification system with more comprehensive capabilities. This system, Mitel Revolution, is tested the first Monday of each month. 

Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, new and updated methods of communication will be included with the monthly test. Here is what to expect:

NEW:

• Overhead paging: In the Dennos and North Hall

UPDATED:

• Screen capture of laptops and desktops connected to NMC’s network or virtual private network (VPN), including campus monitors showing events and announcements. Previously, screen capture included only desktops and laptops. Users can close the notification by acknowledging it or exiting the window.
• Phones: We are increasing the speed of notifications to cell phones and landlines. Campus phones will also broadcast notifications in classrooms and offices. Calls come from 231-995-1101. You may want to save the number in your phone.
• Emails. Sender is “nmc-notifications.” You may want to whitelist it.

CONTINUING:

• Texting. Alerts come from “NMC Security.” You may want to save the number in your phone.

Students and employees are automatically opted into the emergency notification system. For more information on campus safety, visit nmc.edu/safety. Thanks for helping to keep campus safe.

New books for July 2026

Jul 6, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

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

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Cafe Lobdell’s is open through July 29

Jun 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

Cafe Lobdell’s is open through July 29

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute will host and operate Cafe Lobdell’s through July 29.

Cafe Lobdell’s is the capstone course in GLCI’s one-year Baking Certificate program. Culinary students will make and serve fresh sweet and savory baked goods, quiche, yogurt parfaits, healthy breakfast bowls plus sandwiches and salads to go, as well as a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks.

No reservations are required. Counter service hours are 7:30–11 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cafe Lobdell’s is on the second level of NMC’s Great Lakes campus, 715 E. Front St.

Find out more about culinary programs at nmc.edu/culinary.

Release date: JUNE 29, 2026

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
choga@nmc.edu

Parking at Great Lakes Campus for fireworks displays

Jun 29, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

On Saturday, July 4 and Saturday, July 11, NMC Security will restrict access to the Great Lakes Campus parking lot beginning in the afternoon. Parking is limited to NMC employees, students, their guests and scheduled private events. Please bring your NMC ID and show it to security to access the lot.

Summer fire alarm and sprinkler testing

Jun 22, 2026 | Intercom, Student News

To help ensure the continued safety of our campus community, fire alarm and sprinkler system testing will take place throughout NMC campuses this summer. Please do not be alarmed if you encounter testing activity in the buildings listed below. Testing is scheduled as follows:

FIRE ALARMS

July 24
Scholars Hall
Health & Science Building
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
Beckett Building
North Hall
Parsons-Stulen Building

July 29
Okerstrom Fine Arts Building
Aviation
Automotive Service Technology Building
Power House

July 30
Osterlin Building
Tanis Building
1880 Apartment
Front Street Flats
Aero Park Labs

July 31
Rajkovich Physical Education Building

Aug 4
Founders Hall
East Hall
Rogers Observatory

Aug 5
Dennos Museum, 7 a.m.
Les Biederman Building
Great Lakes Campus
1882/1884 apts

Aug 6
Oleson Center for Continuing Education

FIRE SPRINKLERS

July 20
Dennos Museum, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 21
Scholars Hall, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 22
Les Biederman Building, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 23
Health & Science Building, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tanis Building, 2–4 p.m.

July 24
James Beckett Building, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, 1–4 p.m.

July 27
Dennos Museum, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fine Arts Building, 2–4 p.m.

July 28
Osterlin Building, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Okerstrom Fine Arts Building, 12–3:30 p.m.
Facilities Building, 3:30–4 p.m.

July 29
East Hall, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 29
East Hall, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Aviation, 12–1 p.m.
1880, 1882, 1884 Apartments and Automotive Service Technology Building, 1–4 p.m.

July 31
Rajkovich Physical Education Building, 8–11:30 a.m.
Oleson Center for Continuing Education 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 3
Parsons-Stulen Building, 8 a.m. to Noon
Aero Park Labs, Noon to 4 p.m.

Aug. 4
North Hall, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 5
North Hall, 8 a.m. to Noon
Great Lakes Campus, Noon to 4 p.m.

Aug. 6
Great Lakes Campus, 8 a.m. to Noon

If you have any concerns about the scheduling, please reach out to Nancy Durecki at (231) 995-1112 or ndurecki@nmc.edu.