Campus Life is exploring the possibility of hosting a Curling Night on March 6 in partnership with the Traverse City Curling Club. To help make it happen, please complete the interest survey by Wednesday, February 18. Your input will directly shape event planning and scheduling.
Keep an eye out for updates — and get ready to sweep your way into a memorable winter experience!
TRAVERSE CITY — The International Affairs Forum (IAF) at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is proud to launch a new partnership with the Central Michigan University Hart-Milliken Speaker Series to bring a nationally recognized voice on democracy, the civil-military relationship, and executive power to northern Michigan. The collaboration highlights IAF’s 32nd season of programs addressing global issues and fostering vital public dialogue in the region.
“This partnership builds upon a strong relationship between NMC & CMU,” said Alexander Tank, Director of the International Affairs Forum at NMC. “We share a commitment to open dialogue based on rigorous research, practice, and expertise. We will engage in an important civic exercise with this discussion, a continuing investment in public discourse on the difficult issues we face as Americans and global citizens.”
About the event & speaker
February 19 | Long Arm or Strong Arm: Executive Power in Foreign Policy & At Home with Kori Schake, Ph.D., Senior Fellow & Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute. Schake is author of The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States (Polity Press 2025). She is also the author of Safe Passage: The Transition from British to American Hegemony, and a contributing writer at the Atlantic, War on the Rocks, and Bloomberg. Event presented in partnership with Central Michigan University Hart-Milliken Speaker Series. Book sales provided by Bay Books.
Before joining AEI, Dr. Kori Schake was the deputy director-general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. She has had a distinguished career in government, working at the US State Department, the US Department of Defense, and the National Security Council at the White House. She was also a senior policy advisor on the 2008 McCain campaign. She has taught at Stanford, West Point, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, and the University of Maryland, and is currently the Henry A. Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library of Congress.
Dr. Schake is the author of five books: “The State and the Soldier: a History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States” (Polity Books, 2025); “America vs the West: Can the Liberal World Order Be Preserved?” (Penguin Random House Australia, Lowy Institute, 2018); “Safe Passage: The Transition from British to American Hegemony” (Harvard University Press, 2017); “State of Disrepair: Fixing the Culture and Practices of the State Department” (Hoover Institution Press, 2012); and “Managing American Hegemony: Essays on Power in a Time of Dominance” (Hoover Institution Press, 2009).
Event Details
IAF hybrid events, including February 19, are ticketed and open to the public. Students, educators, and active-duty military members attend at no cost thanks to community support. Most programs start at 7 p.m. Eastern at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City with a welcome reception at 6 p.m. Secure tickets at tciaf.com.
Events are presented in hybrid format; in-person events are available to livestream online. Programming continues throughout the academic year through June 2026. All IAF events on campus at NMC are free for students and educators, including all NMC employees and employees of all local schools. Find more information at tciaf.com.
IAF’s educational programming at NMC is free for students and educators, and open to the public thanks to its supporting members, regional partners, business sponsors, and Northwestern Michigan College. Learn more about membership, event sponsorship, and opportunities to support here: tciaf.com/support
About the International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College
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.
All regular season events are open to the public. Tickets are required. Presentations begin at 7 p.m. & receptions begin at 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Visit tciaf.com for advance in-person tickets and online livestream access: $15 per person purchased in advance, $20 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.
About the Central Michigan University Hart-Milliken Speaker Series
Central Michigan University established the Philip A. Hart and William G. Milliken Endowed Speaker Series for Integrity in Politics to encourage a civil approach to politics, by hosting individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to encouraging positive change in American politics and policy-making.
This endowed speaker series is named in memory of former U.S. Senator Philip A. Hart and former Michigan Governor William G. Milliken. A legendary trait of the careers of Senator Hart, a Democrat, and Governor Milliken, a Republican, was their ability to work together with members of opposing political parties.
This speaker series challenges interested parties — students in particular — to approach politics in a way that embraces America’s diversity of ideas and perspectives and to strive to replace negativity and partisanship with creativity and innovation in shaping public policy.
“For over two decades, the Hart-Milliken series has shown our students and our community members how our common beliefs about complex policy challenges are stronger than our political differences, “ said Thomas Greitens, Chairperson of the CMU School of Politics, Society, Justice, and Public Service. “By showcasing the power of bipartisanship, the series helps maintain the foundations of our country’s political ideals.
Sponsors & Supporters
International Affairs Forum programming at Northwestern Michigan College is supported by gifts from community members and sponsors. IAF thanks the following for their support of its 32nd season:
Central Michigan University | IAF Gold Sponsor
Grand Traverse Pie Company | IAF Gold Sponsor
Thompson Retractor | IAF Gold Sponsor
IAF Members | Across northern Michigan & across the country
Learn more about event sponsorship and opportunities to support here: tciaf.com/support
Alexander Tank
Director
International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College
(231) 995-1844 | atank@nmc.edu
Sarah Buckley
Communications Coordinator & Web Developer
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Anspach 114A | Central Michigan University
989-774-1788 | Sarah.J.Buckley@cmich.edu
Let’s be real: college is better when the pizza is free.
Help us improve your experience at NMC by completing the 2026 Learner Engagement Survey. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll be automatically entered to win a $50 pizza gift card.
Do you have an innovative idea that would be beneficial to NMC and aligns with the NMC Strategic Plan?
For instance, this could include:
If so, please submit a proposal to the Office of Possibilities (OOPs) for Education by March 20, 2026. The top scoring proposals will move forward to a pitch competition on April 23, 2026. Awarded projects typically receive between $500-$10,000 from the NMC Foundation. Review the RFP and complete the application.
Please note: We welcome all ideas that align with the NMC strategic plan! You do not need to be interested in starting a business or commercializing a product to be eligible.
Questions? Email oops@nmc.edu.
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
Submissions are open for the Spring 2026 issue of NMC Magazine which focuses on the evolution of an idea, highlighting the creative process and celebrating not just finished work, but the sketches, prototypes, mishaps and breakthroughs that shaped them. NMC students, employees and alumni can enter their submissions thru Saturday, February 21.
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information. Please complete a submission form for each entry.
Don’t forget—the Campus Bookstore has a different sale every Thursday! Stop by to get great deals!
NMC’s Ski & Snowboard Club has three ski trips planned.
Caberfae College Day
February 20
Mardi Gras Theme – bead necklaces provided
Come ski with other colleges! Hope College & Baker College of Cadillac will be attending with us
On the road at 8 a.m.
Litt tickets: $19
Crystal Mountain
March 13
On the road at 3:30 p.m.
Lift hours 5-9 p.m.
Lift tickets $35
Boyne Mountain
April 3
On the road at 8 a.m.
Lift hours 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Attendees are responsible for their own lift ticket and must being their college ID & driver’s license. Carpooling will be available, trying to fit everyone in the least amount of cars. Those who drive will get a gas card to cover the cost. The group will meet at the Hawk Owl Cafe in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. Please note that the “on the road” time is the time the group will depart from NMC’s campus. If you have any questions, email Dylan Raser at raserd@mail.nmc.edu.
NMC Marine Technology students conduct sonar operations aboard the R/V Northwestern
February 4, 2026
Around the world, Detroit is synonymous with the automotive industry. Now, as Michigan sets its course for the maritime industry, NMC has become a key player in a region that will be vital to statewide success.
Last week the state released its first-ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, six draft goals to guide state policy and investment. NMC is one of just two Michigan community colleges called out in the report. NMC Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jason Slade participated in two input sessions and provided online input.
The Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Great Lakes Water Studies Institute each have a role in goal 4, “lead the nation in recruitment, training, and retention of the maritime workforce.” GLMA graduates pilot and maintain ships on the Great Lakes, while Marine Technology graduates work in hydrographic surveying, part of port inspections. The under-construction Freshwater Research & Innovation Center is ahead of the curve on goal 5, “cultivate a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem.”
“Northern Michigan has a lot of capabilities in a number of these goals,” Slade said. “I think it was critical that the strategy document listed the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center.”
Construction is on schedule for the anticipated spring 2027 opening of the $29.8 million collaborative blue tech innovation hub, with concrete work completed and steel delivery expected this month. One tenant, NV5, is confirmed. A second, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, which includes the Fishpass project underway in downtown Traverse City, is nearly finalized. NMC has partnered with Discovery Pier, Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms and Michigan Technological University to build FRIC. The state also invested $15 million in the 40,000 square-foot facility.
Projects like FRIC ultimately broaden Michigan’s economy.
“Michigan is prepared to lead the future of maritime innovation while protecting the waters that define us,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a news release accompanying the strategy. “The Michigan Maritime Strategy is a long-term plan for us to create good-paying local jobs and attract cutting-edge investments while protecting our Great Lakes.”
“It’s really a diversification to complement the auto industry,” Slade said. He added that NMC also brings experience and expertise on aerial mobility initiatives with drones, and can apply that to the new strategy.
“We have a reputation with the state for being at the forefront for mobility areas. We need to push that for maritime as well,” he said.
Public comment on the draft strategy is open until Feb. 27. The strategy is expected to be formally adopted later this year.
See something that you’re not sure is right? Help keep NMC safe and say something. If you notice suspicious activity, call Campus Safety at (231) 995-1111. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
NMC is a large, open campus with multiple locations. It’s important to know what to do in an emergency situation. Campus Safety would like for employees to watch the FBI’s Run. Hide. Fight. — Safe in Schools video.
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for NMC’s College for Kids summer program, which provides weekly learning camps for students ages 4-17. These specialty, fun, experiential “college” learning classes run from June 15 through July 31. New this year, sessions for first through sixth graders will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, and from 1 to 4 p.m., allowing parents the option of full day programming when they join their child for lunch on campus. Register for all classes at nmc.edu/kids.
Held on NMC’s campuses or partner facilities, classes are taught by passionate, experienced instructors who provide a safe and exciting learning environment. Developing their own curriculum, teachers make each class unique, of high interest to students, and experiential with hands-on engagement. Young learners are introduced to college adventures in art, science, sewing, technology, culinary, dance, and more.
More than forty new classes will debut this summer, including Adventures in Loom Weaving, Writing & Drawing Comics, Mixed Media Lab and Phenomenal Physical Science, plus new partnerships with SEEDS and Great Lakes Children’s Museum. From early education classes to career exploration options – there is something for learners of every age and interest.
In addition to weekly enrichment classes, enrollment in the GRASP at-home summer bridge program also begins on February 2. Lessen summer learning loss with weekly reading lessons, math lessons, or both. Register now at nmc.edu/grasp.
Regular weekly classes start at $249. Parents can register their child for a morning and afternoon session and meet their child for lunch on campus. Thanks to generous donors and NMC’s Professional Communications students, $100 scholarships are available for those who qualify. See details at nmc.edu/kids.
To register or to learn more, visit nmc.edu/kids or contact NMC Extended Education at (231) 995-1700. A household profile must be created online before registering.
NMC Extended Education & Training
ees@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1700
NMC’s Student Government Association has worked with BATA to incorporate a new bus route. This new route begins at the Dennos and Milliken/Front and goes to Garfield, Hastings, and LaFranier. The cost is 75 cents for NMC students with ID.
Failure is scary, but it isn’t the end—it is an opportunity to grow. Student Success will host a week of events dedicated to normalizing setbacks and building resilience so that students can use past missteps to lead to future success. Activities include:
Thursday, Feb. 12, 12-1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105
RSVP
Monday, Feb. 16, 12–1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
RSVP
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Lobby
Connect & learn more about your support services at NMC!
Keep an eye out for “fail” boards on each campus all week long, follow @nmcstudentsuccess on social to hear testimonials about how you can overcome past mistakes and don’t forget to get your Certificate of Failure from the Advising Center!
TRAVERSE CITY — The International Affairs Forum continues its 32nd season of programs addressing global issues and fostering vital public dialogue in northern Michigan. Upcoming events include:
Event Details
Programs are open to the public and are ticketed events. Students and educators attend at no cost thanks to community support. Most programs start at 7 p.m. Eastern at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City with a welcome reception at 6 p.m.
Events are presented in hybrid format; in-person events are available to livestream online. Programming continues throughout the academic year through June 2026. All IAF events on campus at NMC are free for students and educators, including all NMC employees and employees of all local schools. For event details and tickets, please visit tciaf.com.
IAF’s educational programming at NMC is free for students and educators, and open to the public thanks to its supporting members, regional partners, business sponsors, and Northwestern Michigan College. Learn more about membership, event sponsorship, and opportunities to support here: tciaf.com/support
Alexander Tank
Director
International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College
(231) 995-1844
atank@nmc.edu
January 21, 2026
The Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge, the third straight entrepreneurial pitch competition NMC has sponsored, launched this week, seeking innovative ideas to fast-track businesses developing solutions for a wide range of issues impacting the world’s largest freshwater system.
At stake is $55,000 in seed funding. First prize is $30,000, second prize is $15,000 and third prize will win $10,000. Finalists will present at the Lakebed 2030 conference in Traverse City Sept. 17, gaining visibility and networking opportunities.
“The Blue Tech Challenge is progressing in parallel with the Freshwater Innovation Center and with the wider idea of TC becoming this freshwater innovation ecosystem. It’s all maturing together in a way which is beneficial for northern Michigan and the entire, bi-national Great Lakes region,” said Canadian Trade Commissioner Dakota Korth, a judge for the 2025 competition. The Challenge is open to entrants from the U.S. and Canada.
Vernon LaLoneThe poster child for the Blue Tech Challenge is the 2025 winner, Wave Lumina of Traverse City. The company, which manufactures a portable, rapid-response PFAS testing device, also placed second in Aquahacking the Great Lakes, the 2024 competition. Since launching in founder Vernon LaLone’s spare bedroom in 2023, Wave Lumina has won a $305,000 National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation & Research grant; hired two employees, both NMC alumni; and served its first paying customers in December.
Now operating in a lab at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, Lalone hopes to become a tenant at the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center when it opens in 2027.
Korth hopes that businesses with Canadian roots will be there, too. The Canadian government contributed $5,000 to last year’s competition and he hopes to provide at least that much again.
“A big piece for me is a deepened Canadian participation,” Korth said. In the 2025 event, 35 companies made initial inquiries, and 18 submitted first-round pitches. Of those, three were Canadian.
“We’re trying to help eliminate the challenge of the border as an impediment to economic progress on both sides,” said Korth, whose office is in Detroit. “It’s natural for us to look to our neighbors to find ways to work together to find what buoys our livelihoods and our health.”
The Challenge is open to motivated entrepreneurs, startups, early-career professionals, and even student-led ventures from across the United States and Canada. Areas of focus are:
For more information visit nmc.edu/bluetechchallenge.
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has opened registration for the Great Lakes Blue Tech Challenge, seeking startups with solutions for a wide range of issues impacting the world’s largest freshwater system.
At stake is $55,000 in seed funding. First prize is $30,000, second prize is $15,000 and third prize will win $10,000. Finalists will present at the Lakebed 2030 conference in Traverse City Sept. 17, gaining visibility and networking opportunities.
The third such competition of its kind at NMC, the Blue Tech Challenge is progressing in parallel with the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, with the wider idea of Traverse City becoming a freshwater innovation hub.
“It’s all maturing together in a way which is beneficial for northern Michigan and the entire, bi-national Great Lakes region,” said Canadian Trade Commissioner Dakota Korth, a judge for the 2025 competition.
The Challenge is open to entrants from the U.S. and Canada. Registration closes March 27, and first-round pitches will take place on June 29. The Challenge is open to motivated entrepreneurs, startups, early-career professionals, and even student-led ventures from across the United States and Canada. Areas of focus are:
After 35 initial inquiries, 18 teams entered the 2025 Challenge, won by Wave Lumina of Traverse City. The company, which manufactures a portable, rapid-response PFAS testing device, also placed second in Aquahacking the Great Lakes, the 2024 competition. Since launching in founder Vernon LaLone’s spare bedroom in 2023, Wave Lumina has won a $305,000 National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation & Research grant; hired two employees, both NMC alumni; and served its first paying customers in December.
Now operating in a lab at NMC’s Parsons-Stulen Building, LaLone hopes to become a tenant at the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center when it opens in 2027.
For more information visit nmc.edu/bluetechchallenge.
For more information:
Denver Peters
Director, Strategic Portfolio and Development
dpeters@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1215
The Campus Bookstore is offering $10 off all regular priced hoodies from Jan. 19–30.
Nancy Gray, NMC English instructor and Neurodiversity Support Center coordinator, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 12.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., and on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Milliken Auditorium. Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. in Milliken Auditorium. There will be reserved parking in the Aspen Lot next to the Dennos Museum for memorial visitors; visitors may also park in any other lot on campus.
If you are interested in making a gift in memory of Nancy Gray, you may select the Neurodiversity Support Center from the drop-down menu at nmc.edu/give. You can dedicate your gift to and make it in memory of Nancy.
Read her complete obituary here. Read NMC President Nick Nissley’s message to campus here.