Lisa Rabaut, Innovation and Strategic Growth Project Manager, reimagined this event and implemented a pre-screening review, aligned ideas against the strategic plan, master plan, and college initiatives, and developed a robust 2-hour pitch event on Thursday, April 23 during Northern Michigan Startup Week.
Judges included Lisa Rabaut, Camille Hoisington (Traverse Connect), Josh Hart (Ford Insurance, original OOPs founder), Jayne Mohr (NMC Foundation) and Kyle Morrison. The format was 5 minute pitch/5 minute Q&A.
A total of 19 submissions were received from students, faculty and staff. Of those 19, the top 6 were selected to move on to the pitch competition. All 6 received some funding, described in more detail below.
Prescribing the Arts: A Creative Pathway Supporting Student Success
Applicant: Liz Celeste, Dennos Museum Curator of Education and Exhibitions
Amount Requested: $3,600
Amount Awarded: $2,600 (the judges would like this project to receive input from students before implementation)
Alignment: campus vibrancy, student belonging, experiential learning, Dennos enhancements
Instructional Virtual Reality (VR) Systems for Biomedical Engineering Tech Training
Applicant: Joe Deater, Adjunct Engineering Tech Faculty Member
Amount Requested: $6,000
Amount Awarded: $6,000 (enough for 2 VR goggles and a 3-year subscription)
Alignment: future-focused education with a focus on technology, meeting regional employer needs (improved student outcomes), engineering tech PESR opportunity
All Hands on Tech: Great Lakes Water Studies Voyage on Inland Seas Schooner Alliance
Presenter: Matt Hirsch, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Coordinator
Amount Requested: $4,000
Amount Awarded: $4,000
Alignment: GLWSI enhancement/improvements (PESR, Strategic Plan), opportunity for credentialing (Marine Center), meeting national employer needs (skills expected by employers [sea time]), community partnership with Inland Seas Education Association
NMC Flight Team
Presenter: Alex Modryznski, Aviation student
Amount Requested: $3,976
Amount Awarded: $8,000 (this project was awarded more than requested because the students provided a very lean budget in terms of fuel, food, and lodging costs; the judges felt a more robust budget would help cover all costs and potentially allow more students to participate)
Alignment: national program recognition, potential recruitment opportunity, elevate our aviation program (enrollment targets from previous strategic plan, NMC Next)
Hawk Owl Uncrewed Competition Team
Presenter: Tony Sauerbrey, UAS Coordinator
Amount Requested: $10,042
Amount Awarded: $10,042
Alignment: national program recognition, potential recruitment opportunity, support of the NorthSky Consortium (partnerships, regional needs)
Reaching Adult Learners with CollegeAPP and data-informed decision-making
Presenter: Kelly Yauk, PRMC Marketing Director
Amount Requested: $10,440
Amount Awarded: $10,440
Alignment: adult learner recruitment, blending of credit and noncredit, PRMC enrollment strategies
In total, OOPs for Education and the NMC Foundation provided $41,082, leaving approximately $9K for other activities prior to the end of the fiscal year. Lisa really raised the bar and set the tone for leveraging these funds to support college initiatives moving forward. She did a great job!
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, April 27
Chicken Fettuccine with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccoli
Roasted Vegetable Fettuccine (V) with pesto cream sauce served with garlic crostini & broccoli
Tuesday, April 28
Beef Barbacoa Tacos served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Tofu Barbacoa Tacos (V) served with Spanish rice & refried beans
Wednesday, April 29
BBQ Pulled Pork with brioche bun served with mac & cheese and asparagus
BBQ Jackfruit (V) with brioche bun served with mac & cheese and asparagus
Thursday, April 30
Potato Gnocchi with Italian sausage and alfredo sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Potato Gnocchi (V) with roasted vegetables and alfredo sauce served with garlic bread & green beans
Due to outside sporting events on Wednesday, April 29 and Friday, May 1, NMC Campus Security will restrict access to the Cedar Parking Lot. Campus Security will be present at the entrances to the Cedar lot to grant access to NMC employees, students and visitors.
For more information, contact Campus Safety Coordinator Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231)995-1747
Or will be on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., in all his green-feathered glory, at a special 75th anniversary Student and Community Block Party. The entire community is invited to welcome Swoop, NMC’s new mascot, and then enjoy other festivities on the Front Street campus to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.
Running from 3–7 p.m. the Block Party coincides with the end of the spring semester. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, neighbors and friends are all invited to partake of free carnival rides, activities and live music. Food from several local food trucks will be available to purchase.
After his introduction by NMC President Nick Nissley, Swoop will then make the rounds of the party for photo opportunities. Mascots from the Traverse City Pit Spitters, NMC’s University Partners and Traverse City West High School will join the welcome party, too.
NMC adopted the northern hawk owl as a nickname in 2013, and the concept was embraced by the college. Swoop was first visualized as a two-dimensional logo character in 2014. Each graduate receives a “Hawk Owl alumni” T-shirt. The student cafeteria is named the Hawk Owl Café.
The occasion of NMC’s 75th anniversary this year was a fitting time to embody Swoop as an official mascot, and planning for Swoop’s arrival started in late 2024.
“We want NMC to feel vibrant and alive for our students and our community, and finally having Swoop home is a big part of bringing this vision to life.” said Zach Whitaker, manager of NMC Alumni Relations, where Swoop makes his home in between event appearances. “He’s here to cheer on our students and learners as they navigate challenges and celebrate all their accomplishments through their time with us and beyond.”
Advance registration is encouraged. A rain date has been set for Sunday, April 26. For more information, visit nmc.edu/75.
Pre-nursing students —the ADN application for fall 2026 is open! The deadline to apply is June 1. Applications can be submitted in self-service through students.nmc.edu.
To apply in self-service, select:
Admissions
Apply for Admissions
Submit a Competitive ADN Application
For questions, contact Betsy Boris at bboris@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1246.
Are you in TC this summer? NMC is looking for the faces of our college! No modeling experience? No problem. We want real students, real smiles and real community vibes. Let’s capture the season together. Fill out the short form below and we’ll reach out to you as our summer photography/video/testimonial schedule goes into action! Please note: this is a volunteer opportunity and is not paid.
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.
Congratulations to the graduates of 2026! Commencement is May 2. Caps and gowns are available at the NMC Bookstore (located in the Health & Science building) and online at bookstore.nmc.edu. Don’t wait—get yours today!
TRAVERSE CITY — Media is invited to cover the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center’s “topping off” celebration from 9–11 a.m. Friday, April 24 at the Discovery Pier parking lot, 13271 S. West Bay Shore Drive (bay side of M-22).
A topping off celebration is a-time honored construction tradition, marking the placement of the building’s final structural beam. It is a milestone in the Center’s construction, which began in September 2025 and is on track for completion in spring 2027.
The $29.1 million project is a collaborative effort of Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse Connect, Michigan Technological University and 20Fathoms. From 9–10 a.m. these community partners and donors will sign the beam. At 10 a.m. the beam will be craned into place at the construction site across the street.
The 38,000 square foot facility is a landmark project establishing northern Michigan as the epicenter of water innovation and a globally relevant hub for the blue economy.
By co-locating working pier space, advanced laboratories and business incubation under one roof, the Center will serve as the home for water technology and marine mobility, where ideas become solutions, technologies become ventures and opportunities become careers.
The project has already secured more than $28 million in commitments from federal, state and private funders, with fundraising ongoing for equipment and the public exhibit space. Once complete, the Center is expected to draw national and international tenants, create high-wage jobs and generate research with global applications.
Cari Noga NMC Communications Director cnoga@nmc.edu (231) 392-1800 (Call or text)
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
TRAVERSE CITY — Threecommittees of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet this week in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street Campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, Mich.
Building & Site Committee: 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Room 08 (Lower Level)
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Release date: April 20, 2026
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Northwestern Michigan College announces its 5th Annual Learning Symposium, scheduled to take place from April 23 to May 2. This event, sponsored by the Experiential Learning Institute, will showcase the diverse ways NMC students and faculty engage in high-impact teaching and learning.
The Learning Symposium will feature a variety of student and faculty artifacts, experiences and scholarship. Attendees can expect to see oral and poster presentations on research and community engagement projects, academic courses, service learning experiences, and community partnerships. The learning symposium highlights experiential learning and other high-impact practices in and/or out of the classroom.
Student’s in Cathy Warner’s ENG 111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve facilities, programming and resources in the community and at the college. Topics range from how NMC can create a universal free meal plan for all students, to environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt in the winter months. View the full list of presenters
NMC & GVSU Student Science Symposium presentations
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 106/107
April 27–May 2
Displays and Artifacts Timothy J Nelson Innovation Center lobby and hallways
April 28
Reflective Table Talks
Noon–1 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center hallways This is an informal session where students and staff will share about their projects and events at tables in the hallways
Student’s in Cathy Warner’s ENG 111 class have spent the semester researching ways to improve facilities, programming and resources in the community and at the college. Topics range from how NMC can create a universal free meal plan for all students, to environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt in the winter months. View the full list of presenters
April 29
Brandon Everest’s SOC 201 student presentations
1–2:30 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 104/105
Kristy McDonald’s BUS 231 NMC Hero Race student presentation
3–4:10 p.m.
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center 106/107
April 30
Becca Richardson’s MTH 120 student poster presentations
1–1:45 p.m.
Health & Science Building atrium next to the bookstore
Charles Macphee’s EGY 105 student presentation
6–9 p.m.
Aero Park Laboratories, room 222
May 1
nEXt Endorsement student capstone presentations
2:30–5:10 p.m.
Janis Room, Dennos Museum Center
Honors Convocation
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
The public can now take an illustrated walk down NMC’s memory lane, with the publication of a digital timeline to celebrate the college’s 75th anniversary.
The timeline covers 110 “milestones” spanning the founding of Northwestern Michigan College as Michigan’s first community college in 1951 to this year’s 75th anniversary celebration. It was created by a history-focused workgroup with representation from across the college.
The group endeavored to show the people who created NMC history as much as the establishment of programs and construction of the physical campus. The timeline also offers present-day context to help viewers understand NMC’s growth and impact. For example, text about the college’s first Commencement in 1953, when 28 students graduated, notes that in 2025, 565 students earned degrees and certificates, a twentyfold increase. A 2018 milestone, awarding $1 million in scholarships, notes that just a few years later, in 2024-25, NMC would double that achievement, awarding $2 million in scholarships.
“The timeline depicts both NMC’s lasting legacy and the bold future ahead,” said Stephen Siciliano, NMC Vice President of Educational Services and chair of the history work group. “Throughout the years, we’ve been proud to be the community’s college, helping to transform the lives of our learners and their families.”
Led by Ryan Bernstein, NMC Curriculum and Instructional designer, the group curated the timeline from thousands of historical images, documents and artifacts. Longtime college archivist Ann Swaney is also a member of the history workgroup, providing valuable institutional memory and guidance through the process.
Milestones are spread fairly evenly through the decades. The timeline is available at nmc.edu/75.
NMC will also celebrate its history at a daylong anniversary special event Saturday, July 25. It will include:
10 a.m. History Showcase, Milliken Auditorium: Debut screening of 75th anniversary video; panel discussion of NMC history, opening of 50th anniversary time capsule
11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Self-guided history walk to activity stations around NMC’s Front Street campus; opportunity to contribute to centennial time capsule; lunch in the NMC Innovation Center
7 p.m. (tentative time): NMC Music Department Concert, Milliken Auditorium
NMC has published three history books covering 20-year segments of its history. The most recent ends in 2011. In addition there are Maritime and Art Department history books. All are available to check out at the NMC Library.
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for all NMC Extended Education & Training summer adult classes. Community members are invited to enroll in classes ranging in topics from culinary and creative arts to Northern Naturalist, recreation, fitness, and more. Some classes may fill quickly, so early registration for all classes is recommended.
New this summer are expanded offerings to get out and enjoy nature in northern Michigan. Classes include rowing, kayaking, boating, charter fishing, and more. Students are encouraged to enroll online at nmc.edu/ees.
Additional community education options include nearly 80 in-person classes from delicious culinary adventures like “Under the Tuscan Spoon” and “Rice to the Occasion” to exploratory Northern Naturalist offerings, like “Wetland Wildflowers.” Additional classes are offered in fitness, art, music, global, yoga, and recreation. Adult & Child and Date Night classes are perfect for those looking to share quality time and learn new skills with their partners, parents, or friends. Visit nmc.edu/ees to see all categories and class options.
Release date: April 8, 2026
For more information:
Laura Stevens NMC Extended Education & Training lstevens@nmc.edu (231) 995-1704
Non-Discrimination Policy Notice
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Put on your best superhero costume and come support an amazing cause. BUS 231 Professional Communications class has been hard at work this semester rebranding our NMC Hero Race (formally known as the Big Little Hero Race). This event helps students develop real-world professional communication skills while raising funds for our very own College for Kids program. We would love for our fellow Hawk Owls to come and support our NMC community and us this year at the NMC Hero Race!
11th Annual NMC Hero Race
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Festivities begin at 9:00 AM at NMC Main Campus, including:
FREE one-mile Fun Run featuring a special appearance from Captain Hawk Owl!
5K/10K timed walk or run (discounts for NMC students, staff, and faculty for $20 off registration)
Carnival Games
Silent Auction
Prizes for best dressed male/female/duo/pet
Cake Walk
Bake Sale
Awards Ceremony
Along with all the exciting events happening on the day of the race, our culinary team will be hard at work the day before, on April 17, 2026, to bring you a carb-fueled pasta dinner. Dinner will begin at 5pm and go until 6:30pm. We are offering pasta, meatballs, and breadsticks. As a student, you only pay $5 for a NMC (our home during the school year) cooked meal.
The fun doesn’t stop there. We are also having a birthday party! This year, NMC is celebrating its 75th birthday. In honor of that, we are excited to announce that this year’s local hero award will be presented to our NMC Outstanding Alumni. This group has continued to pave the way for fellow Hawk Owls for the last 75 years.
If you would like to sign up for the race, head over to our website nmcherorace.com and apply code: student26 (students) or teacher26 (faculty and staff) to receive $20 off your registration.
Even if you are unable to attend, you can still support the cause by entering our prize giveaway for a chance to win: A two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac with breakfast included!
Register now for Northern Michigan Startup Week (NMSW) events! NMSW, taking place April 20–24, is where the region’s builders, founders, investors, students, and problem-solvers come together to turn ideas into momentum.
The focus is on amplifying homegrown talent and strengthening our innovation ecosystem. Please check out the GVSU & NMC events taking place during NMSW!
April 22, 10 a.m.–Noon: NMC Program Overview (Water Studies, Marine Tech, and UAS), Parsons-Stulen Facility Tour, and Networking Lunch
April 22, Noon–1 p.m.: Panel Discussion Hosted by NMC & Traverse Connect – From Education to Operations: How Northern Michigan Is Building a National Model for Drone Integration
Recent high school graduates in the five-county area kept more than $1.68 million in their pockets this academic year by using the Community College Guarantee at NMC.
The state scholarship offers free tuition to in-district high school graduates, with no GPA or income requirements. Tuition is significantly discounted to graduates outside the district (Grand Traverse County), with other scholarships often making up the difference.
“We definitely get the word out. We just want kids to take advantage of it because it’s such a great deal,” said Kalkaska High School counselor Ciara McCullough.
The amount awarded across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties was up from $1.04 million awarded in 2024–25, the first year of the CCG.
While amounts were highest in Grand Traverse County, growth increased most in Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Dollars awarded to Kalkaska high school graduates more than doubled. Dollars awarded to Leelanau high school graduates nearly tripled.
2025 Kalkaska graduate Kylee Moore (right) is studying elementary education at NMC. She considered Ferris, but chose NMC in order to save money. Now with her first year nearly complete, she’s found the advantages to be more than financial.
“I’m really happy with it. At NMC, I really love my instructor (Cheryl Bloomquist),” Moore said. NMC’s scheduling also allowed her to keep her job at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare in Kalkaska.
“It’s more flexible and I really like that,” said Moore, who has used NMC campus services like the Writing Center and the library. She expects to complete her bachelor’s through Central Michigan University.
Moore chose education as her field after attending the Teacher Academy at the regional Career Tech Center in high school. McCullough said that more than half of Kalkaska juniors and seniors attend the CTC, which dovetails well with NMC programs like Construction Technology, Automotive Technology, Engineering Technology, surveying, renewable energy and welding.
“Going into the trades is very popular with our kids (and) NMC offers a lot of (skilled) trades programs,” she said.
The Community College Guarantee must be used within 15 months of high school graduation. Class of 2025 graduates can still enroll for NMC’s summer or fall 2026 semesters. The class of 2026 will also be eligible through the fall 2027 semester. Find out more at nmc.edu/guarantee.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $7.99. Learn more at 
Register now for 
2025 Kalkaska graduate Kylee Moore (right) is studying elementary education at NMC. She considered Ferris, but chose NMC in order to save money. Now with her first year nearly complete, she’s found the advantages to be more than financial.