Nov 5, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
November 5, 2025
Next week’s fiftieth anniversary of the tragic Edmund Fitzgerald sinking in Lake Superior has renewed attention to the last Great Lakes shipwreck, but for Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadet Jeffrey Jager, no anniversary is required to remember.
“Most of us live with the Fitzgerald, especially those of us that consider the Midwest our home,” said Jager, 31, who grew up in metro Detroit before becoming a fourth-year deck cadet at GLMA, the nation’s only freshwater maritime academy.
The last ship he sailed on was built just two years after the Fitzgerald, by the same company. GLMA faculty worked with and taught others who sailed on the Fitz, at the time one of the largest ships on the Great Lakes. As a deck officer, when aboard ship he stands two four-hour watches per day, a duty he always takes seriously and which can be especially challenging on Superior, due to its size, geography and cold.
“Ultimately the vessel and its safe navigation are your responsibility,” he said. “As the watch officer, the lives of 30 people are in your hands.”
Crews are the same size now as they were then, too. The Fitzgerald went down with 29 aboard, including GLMA cadet David Weiss and alumnus Thomas Bentsen. GLMA, now a flagship NMC program but then just six years old, held a memorial service within a week. That tradition has continued every year since, and will be held again Nov. 10 at noon in the GLMA harborside courtyard. In 2023 Jager was tasked with ringing the memorial bell as each sailor’s name was read.
This year, he will spend Nov. 10 representing GLMA at another ceremony, the 26th annual Lost Mariners Remembrance, a joint U.S.-Canadian event on Detroit’s Belle Isle. But he urges the community to turn out for GLMA’s Mariners Memorial, when the often-invisible role of shipping becomes as clear as that bell tolling 29 times.
“We have a lot of people working extremely hard to keep our entire economy running, and they do it at great personal risk,” he said.
Nov 3, 2025 | Student News
Student Life will be in the Timothy J. Nelson Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays providing free snacks. information about various wellness topics and connecting students with resources. Stop by and say hello! Students can also enter the weekly prize drawing.
Oct 31, 2025 | Student News
Are you interested in having a competitive edge in whatever comes nEXt after NMC? Whether it’s transferring to a four-year school or entering the job market, NMC’s Experience Transcript endorsement (nEXt) will help you stand out on your resume or in job applications.
NMC is a leader in offering experiential learning opportunities, which help you develop durable skills such as communication, resilience, empathy, initiative, creative problem-solving and teamwork– all essential skills for work and life. The nEXt endorsement showcases these experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, as a transcript credential, alongside the degree or certificate you’re also earning at NMC. It’s an innovative way for you to demonstrate your mastery of these essential durable skills that, heretofore, were not fully addressed by colleges but are highly sought after by employers.
Take the first step by completing the nEXt endorsement signup form.
Oct 28, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC employees and students may request that Campus Security review surveillance footage to assist in identifying alleged criminal activity or misconduct, provided there is a substantiated reason to do so. Please contact Campus Security at extension (231) 995-1111 for assistance.
Oct 28, 2025 | Student News
Have you had instructors this semester who you feel really excelled? NMC has a way for you to recognize those instructors: Nominate them for a Faculty Excellence Award!
Award criteria includes teaching excellence, supportive relationship with students, innovation in the classroom, sense of class community and dedication to the students/NMC.
Tell us what makes your instructors so great using this nomination form.
Submit your nomination by Dec. 15.
Oct 27, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Students and staff braved the rain to share the spooky spirit with trick or treaters at the annual Student Ambassador’s Trunk or Treat last week. This year’s winners of the trunk contest are:
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- 1st Place: Scooby Doo Mystery Machine (Adyn McHugh)
- 2nd Place: The Lorax (Erin Lake)
- 3rd Place: Zombies (Alyssa Irani)
Scooby Doo Mystery Machine
Thanks to the Student Ambassadors (Kylie Gibson, Holly Hayes, Eily Knight and Bradley Knight) for hosting an awesome, community-building Trunk or Treat event and to our judges (Lisa Thomas, Elise Ballinger and Lisa Blackford) who had the tough job of choosing between all the amazing submissions.
Oct 27, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC offers both permanent and mobile food pantries for students and their families. This fall, usage of both has risen compared to 2024. With food assistance benefits (SNAP) potentially paused starting next week due to the government shutdown, please take advantage of these resources. The self-serve permanent
food pantry is located in the Osterlin building on NMC’s Front Street campus. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 3-8 p.m. Sundays. Students log their visit via QR code, then serve themselves.
Other
student resources include lunch coupons, Goodwill Inn vouchers, transportation assistance and emergency assistance.
The mobile food pantry distributes twice a month and is also open to the community. Upcoming dates are Monday, Nov. 3, Monday, Nov. 24 and Monday, Dec. 1. All are 3-5 p.m. and all are held at the Maple Lot on the Front Street campus. Users receive up to $200 worth of food per family per week, usually 8-10 different items, mostly fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other perishable foods. Any leftovers are stocked in the Osterlin permanent pantry.
To donate non-perishable food and personal care items to the Osterlin pantry, please review the
list of items most needed here. To support student basic needs financially, donate at nmc.edu/give. In the drop-down menu, select “NMC Food Pantry,” “Student Emergency Resource Fund” or “other.”
Oct 27, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Several bicycles have been reported stolen from campus over the past four months. As a precaution, please remember to always lock your bicycle (and vehicle) securely or, if possible, store it inside your residence.
If your bicycle is stolen, take the following steps:
- Report the theft to the Traverse City Police Department at (231) 922-4550.
- Notify NMC Security at (231) 995-1111 after filing your police report.
Your vigilance helps keep our campus community safe. Thank you for taking steps to protect your property.
Oct 21, 2025 | Student News
Need a little help this Thanksgiving? The students in NMC’s BUS 231 Course are giving any Hawk Owl who could use a little extra help a free meal for the holiday season. Each meal will feed a family of six and will include a turkey, pie, and all of the traditional Thanksgiving sides. There are also a few surprises! Find the QR code around campus or fill out the form below to register for a free meal today!
The deadline for a free meal is November 7 or until we reach 120 requests. Fill out here: 2025 Thanks-for-Giving Meal Request Form
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Sophie McDonald, PR Specialist: mcdon158@mail.nmc.edu
Kristy McDonald, Instructor: kmcdonald@nmc.edu
Oct 15, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
October 15, 2025
Northwestern Michigan College surpassed a financial aid and philanthropic milestone this summer, awarding more than $2 million in scholarship dollars for the first time ever.
For the 2024–25 academic year, NMC distributed $2.07 million to students. That topped the 2023–24 total of $1.98 million by $91,742. The total includes NMC institutional scholarships ($1.6 million) plus external scholarships ($469,000), which are typically awarded from local sources like community foundations, companies and churches.
As registration for spring semester begins this week, the importance of scholarship support is top of mind.
“The cost of college is one of the most common obstacles to attendance,” said Lindsey Dickinson, NMC director of student success and retention. “Scholarship support is critical for students to be able to complete their educational path and move on to life and career goals.”
Thanks to NMC scholarships, 2024 Great Lakes Culinary Institute student Caroline Clark (above) graduated debt free. Now she’s investing the money she saved on tuition in a wedding cake business, Sweet Caroline’s Confections.
“That’s the path I’m taking, an entrepreneurial path,” said Clark. Working out of her home, she baked cakes for 12 weddings this past summer. But she’s preparing to have a commercial space, hopefully by 2027.
“I was able to purchase some equipment. When the time is right, I can have a commercial space,” Clark said.
Marine Technology student Daniel Heil received an external scholarship from the Marine Technical Society. The Washington DC-based nonprofit promotes awareness, understanding, and the advancement and application of marine technology.
“This scholarship means the world to me. It’s not just recognition of where I’ve been — it’s a vote of confidence in where I’m going. I’m deeply grateful to be supported in this mission to merge deep-sea exploration with next-generation technology,” Heil said.
NMC also announced that the proportion of financial aid from grants — money students don’t have to repay — rose significantly last year. Grants totaled 62 percent of financial aid while loans made up 38 percent.
In the 2023–24 academic year it was nearly evenly split, with 51 percent grants and 49 percent loans. The shift, primarily due to state programs like the Community College Guarantee for high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree, is highly positive for students.
Neither Heil nor Clark qualified for those programs, however. For students like them, NMC and external scholarships are vital.
“Instead of worrying about student loans or debt, I was able to focus on my career goal,” Clark said. “I’m very grateful I was able to do that.”
She keeps a list of her 10 scholarships, which ranged from $375 to $5,000. It’s a reminder to the 22-year-old to sustain her healthy financial habits.
“Not only for my career but for my lifetime, that’s a goal of mine, to continue being debt free,” she said.
NMC automatically matches accepted students with scholarships — no extra applications are required. Read more. Find out more about becoming a scholarship donor at nmc.edu/give.
Oct 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
The Dennos Museum Center warmly invites visitors to wander a festive marketplace on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.. Come discover a unique variety of artful gifts and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
This vibrant juried marketplace is a cherished annual tradition that brings together 30 Michigan artists and a community that celebrates creativity and art. Visit the museum’s Sculpture Court and Milliken Auditorium lobby to discover one-of-a-kind treasures. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to linger, explore, and shop. Merlyn’s Pâtisserie will be on site for a second year, offering their Asian-French inspired artful treats.
Our Museum Store will unveil its festive Holiday Corner featuring beautiful greeting cards, handcrafted ornaments, and unique gifts from around the world. Art-inspired objects, puzzles, jewelry and toys are always right inside!
Our beloved raffle returns with proceeds benefiting children’s educational programming. And remember, DMC memberships are 10% when purchased at the market!
Learn more at shop.dennosmuseum.org
Oct 6, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
(more…)
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Show us your perfect society. Show us your ideals. Show us utopia. Show us your nightmares. Show us fear and despair. Show us dystopia. NMC students, faculty, staff, and community-affiliated members can submit their utopian/dystopian polarities thru Friday, October 17.
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine for more information. Please complete a submission form for each entry.
Oct 2, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Flu season is on the horizon and Student Health Services will be hosting two more flu clinics this fall.
Wednesday, Oct 8
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 20
12–1 p.m.
Flu shots cost $15 for students and $20 for employees without NMC insurance.
For those who are unable to stop by during one of the times listed above call (231) 995-1255 to schedule an appointment.
Student Health Services is located in room 106 of the Les Biederman Building on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Oct 1, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
October 1, 2025
More area students are getting a head start on degrees and careers through record high school enrollment at NMC this fall.
Combined, 544 high school students were dual enrolled or in Early College at NMC this fall, a 13 percent jump from fall 2024. High school students now make up nearly 16% of the 3,460 students on campus.
“For the student and the family, it gives them an opportunity to get a head start and save money,” said NMC Admissions director Lisa vonReichbauer.
Beyond the head start, research shows that students who dual-enroll in a college class or Early College students, who earn an associate degree in just one year, are more likely to get to the finish line — graduation.
“It increases college going skills, college success and college completion,” vonReichbauer said.
Hitting that record took an all-out NMC effort on financial, communication and programming fronts, including a new, lower tuition rate. Tuition for both programs is paid by local school districts, but until last year, the tuition rate for students outside Grand Traverse County left a difference that families had to pay out of pocket. In January 2024, NMC trustees approved a new rate for out of district dual enrolled students that eliminates that out of pocket expense.
Equipped with that new rate, vonReichbauer said NMC has improved outreach to both high schools and families, including home school families.
“We’ve communicated better about the opportunities, so we’re seeing more people taking advantage of that,” she said.
Suttons Bay High School students are among the out-of-district students who are. Counselor Meredith Schmidt said dual enrollment expands course choices.
“We are a very small school, which means we are not always able to offer Honors or AP sections of classes. Many of our students enroll in NMC classes, and the experience is invaluable,” Schmidt said. “NMC is an excellent partner institution, and provides really high quality coursework.”
VonReichbauer said NMC is working to tailor programming to the needs of individual schools and students, such as:
- In-person classes on the high school campus – like EDU 100, offered at schools including TCAPS, Northwest Ed and Greenspire High School this fall,
- New academic tracks for Early College, like law enforcement and business tracks offered through the Wexford-Missaukee ISD, and
- For all students, an emphasis on instilling independence, from orientation and registering for classes to communicating with instructors.
Suttons Bay’s Schmidt said this is the most important benefit. “The most impactful benefit of dual enrollment is the confidence students gain when they realize they can absolutely be successful in college level coursework.”
Schmidt has both personal and professional perspectives, since her own daughter dual-enrolled and transferred all her NMC credits to Grand Valley State University. “(They) truly have an advantage when they enter post-secondary institutions as full-time students,” she said.
The record high school enrollment is part of a strong overall fall enrollment at NMC. Headcount stands at 3,460, up 6.2% from fall 2024, and the seventh straight semester of growth. Students are also taking more classes, with contact hours up 8.2%.
Sep 25, 2025 | Student News
Working to continue the semester strong but need a quick check-In? We are here to help! Join the Student Success Coaching team at a drop-in coaching session next week so we can touch base on how your semester is going so far and address any quick questions or high-priority needs:
Monday Sep. 29, Tuesday Sep. 30, Wednesday Oct. 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In-Person in Osterlin (check-in at the Academic & Career Advising Center)
Virtual on Zoom (Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting)
We can provide expert support with things like time management, organization, study strategies for mid-terms and finals, connecting with campus resources, and more!
If you are unable to join us at Drop-In Coaching or you think your question or challenge might need a longer discussion, schedule an appointment with us in My Success!
Already meeting with a coach? Great! You are one step closer on the path to success! You are still welcome to attend a drop-in session to troubleshoot any quick questions or issues as you continue your semester.
Sep 24, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will host Applying to College 101 and College Night, two events for high school students beginning their college search, in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on the Front Street campus in early October.
Applying to College 101 – Mon., Oct. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. TJNIC room 106-107
Admissions representatives from NMC and co-sponsor Northern Michigan University will guide participants through the college application process, focusing on what to expect and time frames to be aware of. Food is provided. Students should RSVP online for food count at nmc.edu/applying-101
Event takeaways:
- Understanding application basics: Types of applications, fees, and other requirements like essays and letters of recommendation
- Understanding application decisions: Early, regular and rolling
- How transfer agreements and the Michigan Transfer Association can help you
- What questions to ask a college representative
- Student panel: Hear students’ personal experiences
College Night – Wed. Oct. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
After preparing at Applying to College, students can visit more than 35 colleges and universities from across the Midwest as well as military branches at College Night. The event offers northern Michigan high school students a one-stop shop to evaluate their post graduation options. Registration is required. Go to strivescan.com
If students are unable to attend College Night, they can visit the same schools at the Transfer Fair held earlier in the day, from noon-2 in the TJNIC.
Release date: SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College does not discriminate in admission, campus activities, education, employment, housing, public accommodation or public service on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, handicap, height, marital or familial status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, service in the military, veteran’s status, weight, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. No act of retaliation shall occur to any person making a charge, filing a complaint, testifying or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Sep 23, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
September 17, 2025
When the elbow room gets tight inside a 33,000-square-foot building, it’s definitely a monumental moment.
That was the scene at Monday’s ribbon cutting for NMC’s newly-expanded aviation hangar. The crowd of community leaders, legislators, students and alumni was there to celebrate a milestone that illustrates NMC’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of the Grand Traverse region and the aviation industry.
The hangar was expanded by 16,500 square feet, which enabled NMC to add eight new planes to its fleet of 19 total aircraft, including a sea plane and an aerobatics plane. It is now 33,530 square feet and includes areas for maintenance, storage and offices.
I was just in awe the entire time I was standing there. It was so exciting,” said aviation student Meigan Lanning (at right, between Aviation Director Alex Bloye, left, and chief flight instructor Frank Jabour, right), who cut the ribbon. She’s the president of NMC’s Aviation Society.
“It’s very impressive. It’ll look very good to new, prospective students,” said alumna Susan Waters. A 1992 aviation graduate who is now a captain with Southwest Airlines, Waters flew in from Houston for the event.
By expanding the college’s aviation facilities, the hangar increases NMC’s capacity to train pilots significantly. This fall, 50 new students started, a 66% increase over typical fall enrollment.
Aviation students take to the skies in their first semester and can earn private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings, preparing them for successful careers. In her 30-year career, Waters has been a commercial, charter, corporate and cargo pilot.
“I walked out with a wonderful experience,” she said of NMC, where she also served as a flight instructor from 1994–95.
That’s one thing that hasn’t changed.
“There’s a lot of passion for this program,” said Lanning, 19, who will graduate next year. She hopes to become a flight instructor at NMC while she finishes her bachelor’s in business administration-aviation from Ferris State University and then become a commercial airline pilot.
NMC is the only Michigan two-year college to offer a flight training program. Until this year, it typically enrolled 30 new students each fall, and had up to a two-year waitlist.
“There’s never been a better time to launch your aviation career — with rising salaries, signing and retention bonuses, travel perks, and a pilot shortage projected to last another 10 to 15 years,” said Aviation Director Alex Bloye.
Total project cost for the hangar was $7 million. NMC matched a $3.75 million state grant. The project also received $550,000 in federal funding. The hangar is also the first project in NMC’s 10-year campus master plan, NMC Thrive.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our state and federal legislators, donors, and community partners who have made this project possible,” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “This expansion demonstrates NMC’s responsiveness to the needs of our region and our ability to deliver results.”
NMC Aviation has a proven track record of success, with exceptional job placement rates for graduates. The college is also a leader in the growing field of uncrewed aerial systems.
