May 20, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Program will serve students 18–26 with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC will become the first community college in Michigan to offer tailored and inclusive college programming for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities when it becomes a Ready for Life Academy site in fall 2026.
Ready for Life, a Grand Rapids non-profit, presently offers academies at Hope College and Ferris State University. The NMC site is expected to start with eight students ages 18–26. Autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cognitive disabilities are the most common disabilities among Ready for Life (RFL) students.
NMC and RFL’s shared goal is to enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to work and live independently. Students will take life skills transition classes in independent living, personal finance, relationships and employment on NMC’s Front Street campus, taught by Ready for Life staff. In addition, they will enroll in or audit two NMC classes alongside typical peer students in high interest and/or skill-building classes. Academic and social support and internships and job opportunities are also provided by RFL.
“As a community college, NMC has a history and mission of open access to education. We are excited to find a partner like Ready for Life, which has translated that vision into meaningful reality for more than 100 students with disabilities,” said NMC president Nick Nissley.
Inclusive college programs are very limited in Michigan. NMC’s site will be the first north of Grand Rapids. Research, including a focus group, indicated a demand for such a program. NMC also hosted a one-week pilot program for RFL students in summer 2023.
“Ready For Life Academy is thrilled to partner with NMC to bring our programming to the Traverse City area. This collaboration responds to the growing need for post-secondary transition opportunities in the northern Lower Peninsula, increasing access to inclusive educational pathways,” RFL Director Toni Falk said. “By expanding our reach, we are better able to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders—empowering them to pursue continued education, build independence, and reach their fullest potential close to home.”
RFL’s outcomes are significantly better than those for most adults with IDD. Among RFL graduates, 83 percent live independently with appropriate supports and more than 91 percent are employed, with few or no supports required. Nationally, more than 80 percent of adults with IDD live at home and are unemployed.
To improve those statistics locally, a few years ago NMC began exploring expanded programming for students with IDD. In January 2024, NMC’s Neurodiversity Support Center for traditionally-enrolled students opened. In its first year, demand for services more than doubled.
The RFL site at NMC will provide a college option for students who earn a high school certificate of completion instead of a diploma. These students are typically excluded from traditional college admission, even at community colleges.
To date, the most common path for those students locally is attendance at the regional Transition Campus programs, including the Life Skills Center and Adult Community Experience operated by Northwest Education Services. Currently 138 students 18–26 are enrolled in Transition Campus programs. The Ready for Life program will increase these students’ options. NMC will develop support staffing for the partnership over the next fiscal year.
Traverse City residents Jean and Brian Brooks had been exploring Ready for Life’s other sites for their daughter Sadie, 17. Currently enrolled at Greenspire High School, they’re excited she now has an option closer to home when she finishes high school.
“Many children with milder impairment fall through the cracks because they aren’t quite able to achieve a traditional high school diploma, but neither do they totally fit into the other programs,” Jean Brooks said. “These are children who have grown up in inclusion settings, with typical peer interactions, activities and friends. The RFL Academy is fantastic for these individuals.”
Northwest Ed Transition coordinator Mimi Kinney has been an active supporter of Ready for Life and the Neurodiversity Support Center since both were proposed.
“At North Ed, we are excited to have Ready For Life be an option at NMC. Our intermediate school district plans to support these efforts by connecting students and families to this innovative post-secondary learning opportunity. Creating more and varied options for students with learning differences is so important,” Kinney said.
NMC has a history of collaboration with Northwest Ed, including an Early College program that allows high school students to complete an associate degree in just one year.
The Ready for Life site at NMC will start as a commuter program. However, as NMC increases its on-campus housing inventory, as called for in the 10-year master plan approved last year, living on campus may become an option.
Ready for Life was founded in 2008 at Hope College. A second academy operated at Calvin University from 2017–2024. Calvin then took over the program, creating capacity for a new site. RFL’s third partnership with Ferris State University launched in 2021 and will celebrate its first graduating cohort of 6 students this month.
Ready for Life will host an open house on NMC’s campus Oct. 17. The program will handle all recruiting and admissions for the NMC site. To stay informed contact toni.falk@rflnetwork.org or (616) 330-8667.
Release date: May 20, 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
May 19, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
NMC is seeking volunteers for the Scholarship Open presented by Bill and Susie Janis on Wednesday, August 6 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Enjoy a wonderful day outdoors in northern Michigan supporting the community’s college and helping raise money for student scholarships. Volunteers will receive a polo to wear during the event and free food.
For more information, contact the NMC Foundation at foundation@nmc.edu.
May 19, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is one of only two community colleges in Michigan to earn Military Friendly® School status by the online community MilitaryFriendly.com.
The award was based on NMC’s performance in multiple categories of service to military and veteran students. The most heavily weighted, at 30 percent each, are military student support and retention, and graduation and career outcomes.
The designation is the latest recognition of the year-round priority NMC places on serving those who have served. The most recent manifestation of this priority is authorization of a less than three-year bachelor’s degree program for veterans enrolled in the College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) who already hold a bachelor’s degree, reducing the time and cost to earn this specialized degree by more than 25 percent. This authorization required Congressional action. As a result of GLMA lobbying efforts it was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act signed in late 2024.
Another such shortened path is available in law enforcement. Eligibility for NMC’s one-semester Police Academy requires an associate degree. However, that requirement is waived for students with one year active duty service as a military police officer.
Both the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Police Academy are among the top 10 NMC programs chosen by veterans. Another magnet program is Marine Technology. Enrollment in this bachelor’s degree is 16% veterans in 2024–25, compared to 4.1% veteran enrollment in all college programs. That translated to 127 students in 2024–25, and 21 2025 graduates. The top programs by veteran enrollment are:
- (TIE) Aviation and Maritime Technology (17 each)
- Construction Technology (11)
- Associate in Science and Arts (ASA – transfer degree) – 9
- Nursing (8)
- Engineering (7)
- Business (6)
- (TIE) Computer Information Technology and Marine Technology (5 each)
- Law enforcement (4)
In addition to the military-friendly designation, NMC also earned gold-level Veteran-Friendly School recognition by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for 2024–25. NMC was cited for a dozen different services offered to 76 current veteran students. Find out more about NMC’s service to military members, veterans and their dependents at nmc.edu/veterans.
Release date: May 19, 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
May 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Cherryland Electric CEO Rachel Johnson
May 14, 2025
Anyone who’s weathered a northern Michigan storm knows when the power goes out, the countdown to restoration starts.
In the aftermath of March’s devastating Gaylord-area ice storm, some 80,000 residential customers were facing a long countdown — nearly three weeks. Using drones and special permission to fly them beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), NMC worked with local electrical co-ops to make the response more efficient. In one 20-minute stint, for instance, a drone flying BVLOS inspected 75 poles, a task which would have taken a day using traditional methods.
With the benefit of BVLOS clearly illuminated, NMC this week officially joined the NorthSky Consortium to work towards establishing a BVLOS drone corridor from Camp Grayling to Grand Traverse County.
The BVLOS corridor is a key focus of the NorthSky Consortium, which also includes regional economic development agency Traverse Connect and startup incubator 20Fathoms. All three organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Monday, May 12. Both Camp Grayling and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City will support the consortium as well.
NMC, which enters the consortium with 15 years of expertise offering drone, or UAS training, currently has an FAA waiver to fly BVLOS for utility pole inspection. That waiver proved vital to the region following the late March storm. Cherryland Electric CEO Rachel Johnson (right) said the storm impacted 8,000 miles of electrical infrastructure owned by Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric and Gas, much of it in “deep right of way” inaccessible to vehicles.
“Accessibility was an incredible challenge. We couldn’t get to things to inspect what was going on,” Johnson said. “When you are having to constantly move to assess, during a storm, it’s highly inefficient.”
Enter NMC with its BVLOS waiver. College UAS coordinator Tony Sauerbrey (left) and Cherryland communications control field engineer Zach Endres, an NMC alumnus, were able to inspect 600 deep right-of-way utility poles in the Onaway-Lewiston area in two days.
“It was a great opportunity for Cherryland to assist alongside NMC and bring them aboard to help the communities that were in need,” said Endres. (Cherryland customers were not affected but the co-op supported the response of the others.)
“Being able to know where the damage was and being able to deploy to that location was incredibly impactful,” Johnson agreed. All power was restored by April 18.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for much of northern Michigan due to the storm.
“It’s by far the worst thing I’ve ever seen while working at Cherryland,” Endres said. “Talking with a lot of lineman who have gone on hurricanes, this was by far the worst they’ve ever dealt with in their careers.”
A dedicated BVLOS corridor would allow for testing and deploying advanced drone technology by multiple users, including the Michigan National Guard and Michigan Department of Transportation.
“We are very, very grateful for the work NMC has done to get that exemption,” Johnson said. “When it’s critical infrastructure, basic health and human safety, it’s a really good use of that exemption.”
In addition to the BVLOS corridor, which NMC is co-leading with Camp Grayling, goals of the NorthSky Consortium include:
- Workforce development and academic innovation, including curriculum aligned with FAA certifications, in order to build a skilled talent pipeline (NMC lead)
- Promote northern Michigan as a premier destination for UAS and advanced aerial mobility (AAM), attracting businesses and startup growth (Traverse Connect lead)
- Establishing a UAS Center of Excellence. This dedicated facility will be developed to serve as a hub for AAM innovation, research and workforce training. (NMC and Traverse Connect co-lead.)
Later this month, Camp Grayling will host an Uncrewed Triple Challenge, in which teams compete to move a package across water, air, and land using unmanned system(s) in varying conditions and obstacles with no human interaction.
May 14, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 992 students who made the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
May 13, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) proudly announces Mark Lundmark and Jayne Mohr as the newest recipients of its highest honor, the NMC Fellow award. Both Lundmark and Mohr are respected community leaders and dedicated philanthropists who have been recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the college and the greater Traverse City region.
Mark Lundmark ( download high-resolution photo) 
Jayne Mohr ( download high-resolution photo)Lundmark’s expertise as a financial advisor and wealth manager and his commitment to community service have made a significant impact on NMC. His nine years of leadership on the Foundation Board, particularly his work on the Finance & Audit Committee, has ensured the college’s financial stability and its ability to support students for years to come.
A retired Traverse City Area Public Schools associate superintendent, Mohr’s dedication to NMC is exemplified by her 20 years of service on the Foundation Board, including six and a half years in leadership positions. Her influence on the board, coupled with her extensive community engagement, has been instrumental in strengthening NMC’s ties with the region and advancing its mission.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have individuals like Mark and Jayne who are so dedicated to NMC’s mission,” said Laura Oblinger, NMC Board of Trustees chair. “Mark’s financial acumen and strategic thinking, combined with Jayne’s passion for education and her skill at forging connections have been invaluable to the college. They are both truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”
Lundmark’s contributions to NMC include:
- Financial stewardship: A member of the NMC Foundation Board from 2005 to 2022, Lundmark served on the Finance & Audit Committee, playing a crucial role in strengthening the Foundation’s financial policies and ensuring long-term scholarship funding. He designed and created the professionally-advised, balanced fund program that continues to benefit the Foundation today.
- Leadership in fundraising: Lundmark served as co-chairman of the Advanced Major Gifts committee for the NMC Great Lakes Campus Capital Campaign.
- Philanthropic support: Mark and his wife, Karen, have committed an estate gift as part of Be What’s Possible: The Campaign for NMC, and they are members of the President’s Club and Biederman Society.
- Community engagement: Lundmark’s commitment to the community extends beyond NMC. He has served on the boards of Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan, the Finance Committee of the Central United Methodist Church, and the public board of Munson Healthcare. He is currently a member of the Traverse City Economic Club, the Grand Traverse Area Estate Planning Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mohr’s contributions to NMC include:
- Influential community engagement: Mohr has been a vital link between NMC and local school systems, including Traverse City Area Public Schools and Northwest Educational Services, the intermediate school district. Her involvement with the Rotary Club has provided a platform to showcase NMC leadership and programs. She also played a key role in Be What’s Possible: The Campaign for NMC. Mohr has also served community organizations such as United Way and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Significant philanthropic support: Mohr and her husband, Cal Karr, have a long history of generous giving to NMC, including establishing the Jayne Mohr and Cal Karr Scholarship. They have also supported programs like Taste of Success and other NMC initiatives. They are members of the President’s Club and Biederman Society.
- Exceptional service and leadership: During her 20 years on the Foundation Board, in addition to her elected roles Mohr has served on the Executive Committee, Development Committee, and Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and was instrumental in developing NMC’s new mission, vision, and values. She has also provided invaluable guidance during board and staff transitions and played a key role in many strategic projects.
- Athena Award recipient (1997): Mohr’s leadership embodies the principles of the Athena Award, which recognizes women leaders who demonstrate authentic self, celebration and joy, collaboration, fierce advocacy, giving back, learning, and strong relationships.
Mohr and Lundmark’s combined commitment to NMC and the broader community is evident in all that they do. Their leadership, passion, and dedication make them both truly deserving NMC Fellows.
The Fellow is Northwestern Michigan College’s highest honor, awarded since 1964 to individuals who have demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the college, a pattern of outstanding financial or personal time contributions to NMC, or as a retiree of the college, continue to contribute back to their academic or professional fields as volunteers, mentors or advisors.
Release date: May 15, 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
May 12, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon, NMC community –
I’m writing to share the May 11th passing of former NMC President Tim Quinn, a leader whose influence continues to shape our college and community. His thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to student opportunity, and belief in collaborative governance left an enduring mark on NMC.
President Quinn led the college from 1989-1996, a tenure which would prove pivotal for NMC. During his presidency the college established the shared governance structure we continue to use today. It was also under Quinn that NMC successfully passed a Grand Traverse County property tax millage in perpetuity. This stable source of funding is an invaluable resource as the college continues to thrive, thirty years after his presidency.
According to his partner, Shelley Keith, Quinn’s proudest achievements at NMC were the formation of the University Center and the Commitment Scholarship for first-generation college students, back-to-back accomplishments in 1995 and 1996. Since 1996, more than $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 600 Commitment students. Also under his leadership, the Dennos Museum Center opened in 1991. These cultural and community assets continue to benefit all of northern Michigan.
President Quinn came to NMC in 1988 as vice president of instructional services. In addition to his NMC service, he was active in the community, serving on the Munson Healthcare board and as president of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce board.Following his retirement from NMC, Quinn founded the Michigan Leadership Institute, which developed and led the SUPES Academy, an eight-day superintendent preparation program which trained over 435 education leaders in Michigan between 1998-2008.
Quinn earned a Ph.D. from The University of Michigan and was recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his statewide leadership in the field of education. Most recently, he accepted the volunteer role of Director of Donor Engagement for Northwest Ed’s foundation, just established in 2024. The Foundation partnered with NMC and other colleges to provide scholarships for Northwest Ed’s career-tech and special education students.
We are grateful for President Quinn’s many contributions and the vision he brought to NMC. His legacy endures through the programs he launched, the lives he touched, and the community he helped strengthen.
On behalf of the college, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew and worked alongside him. An informal gathering and celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 1-3 pm, at the Hagerty Center. You can read his full obituary here.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
May 9, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
(more…)
May 2, 2025 | Announcements & News, Intercom, Student News
The NMC Library will be open for summer hours from May 3 through August 22. It will be open to students and the public 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The library will also be closed for the Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) and Independence Day (Friday, July 4) holidays.
Apr 30, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
April 30, 2025
In her day job as registrar at Traverse City Central High School, Kerri-Ann Bonaddio sees dual-enrolled NMC students all the time. Two years ago, she decided she needed to join them.
“One day I said. ‘I’m just going to do it,’ ” said Bonaddio, 50, who last sat in a classroom almost 30 years ago at a California community college. “Now that I’m an adult, I realize what it means to have a diploma. To have an associate degree.”
She’ll receive that degree on Saturday. Besides the personal accomplishment of earning her degree, Bonaddio has the satisfaction of knowing it was paid for through Michigan Reconnect. The scholarship program pays for in-district tuition and fees for adults 25 and over who don’t already have a college degree. About 20 percent of NMC’s class of 2025 — 123 out of 565 — are Reconnect students.
Bonaddio is not done yet. After taking a little time off, she hopes to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She advises others considering higher education to pursue it, no matter what their age.
“For those younger students, do it now. For the older students who are returning to school, do it now. There’s no time like the present,” she said.
Younger students have the Community College Guarantee to help them finance their education. Both the high school class of 2025 and 2024 are eligible for the scholarship that covers in-district tuition and fees.
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2025 will be held Saturday, May 3 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel. Other 2025 highlights include:
NMC will also hold its annual Honors & Leadership Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 2 at the Dennos Museum Center.
Apr 30, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Starting Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center (TJNIC) will be open to the public from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Anyone else needing access to this building outside of these hours should contact Campus Safety and Security at (231) 995-1111.
Apr 29, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Tenth annual competition spotlights high school IT students; hard and soft skills required
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 100 high school IT students will test their skills at halting hackers, composing code and working under pressure at NMC’s tenth annual IT Olympics, set for May 7 on main campus.
Teams from dozens of schools from Elk Rapids to Cadillac and Mesick to Traverse City are expected to compete in the 2025 event, which consists of four timed challenges: web design, programming, network/security and an IT technical challenge.
The IT Olympics began in 2016, with infrastructure students from Northwest Ed’s Career-Tech Center. It was expanded to include application and web programming students in 2017. In 2018 it again grew to include the Wexford-Missaukee school district. Stephanie Cardwell, a 2014 NMC IT graduate who is now senior network engineer and team lead at Munson Healthcare, is one of the judges.
“It’s important for me to give back to NMC because NMC has done so much for me,” Cardwell said of why she volunteers for the day. Her mother was one of NMC’s first female IT graduates, in the 1990s. Her grandmother also attended NMC, becoming the first woman in the family to earn a college degree.
“We’re three generations of women at this point,” Cardwell said. “Third generation NMC, graduating and really improving our lives as a result.”
She also enjoys seeing the creativity of the students in their responses to the challenges. All team members must compete in at least two of the four challenges. The competition is designed to challenge students to apply both their soft and technical skills. Cardwell stressed that soft skills, like working as a team, communication and presentation are as important as the technical skills.
“Unless you’ve got those soft skills, no one’s going to want to work with you,” she said.
NMC CIT program director Scott Goethals said the Olympics and Industry Night Out, another department event celebrating its tenth year, serve to recruit students to NMC’s program.
“The key for us is building a relationship with the students,” he said. “We want them to get to know the faculty and to learn more about our programs. By building this relationship, we hope they will consider our CIT program when they finish high school.”
IT Olympics opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 in the James Beckett building on NMC’s Front Street campus. Closing ceremonies will be held from 2:15-3 p.m., with prizes awarded for the first, second and third place teams.
Release date: APRIL 29, 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
Apr 25, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC Community,
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders related to higher education. These directives focus on federal accreditation rules, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and reporting requirements for foreign funding. While these national-level changes are still new and evolving, I want to take a moment to connect with you directly, because how we respond, together, matters.
Let me start by saying this clearly: there are no immediate changes required of Northwestern Michigan College today. Our accreditors and federal partners are still assessing the implications, and we are in close contact with the organizations that guide our work. We will continue to monitor developments closely, as we always do, and keep you informed as more becomes known.
You may remember our previous communications during the Trump administration when we shared our commitment to staying informed, upholding our values, and supporting our students and employees through uncertain policy shifts. This moment is no different.
We remain:
- Steadfast in our commitment to student access, success, and belonging
- Attentive to the policies that affect our ability to serve you
- Grounded in NMC’s mission and the trust we have in each other
As of today:
- Your financial aid remains secure
- Our DEIB-related programs and supports in place today continue as they are
- There is no disruption to our operations
If and when that changes, you will hear from us directly. In the meantime, I know the end of the semester is a stressful time for many of you. I want to reassure you that the college leadership team is on top of this, asking the right questions, and connected to the right resources. You do not need to worry or take any action at this time.
Thank you for all you bring to this community. Please take care of yourselves and each other as we move toward the close of another academic year.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Apr 24, 2025 | Intercom, President Updates, Student News
Good afternoon NMC community,
Since 1995, the University Center has helped thousands of students “start here and stay here,” completing bachelor’s and advanced degrees through NMC’s university partnerships.
Now, we’re beginning the next chapter.
Starting later this spring, our university partners will begin relocating to the Front Street campus, with classes beginning there this fall. This move, informed by our Campus Master Plan, creates a more integrated, student-centered experience that reflects how students access education today.
As part of this transition, the NMC Board of Trustees will consider renaming the University Center to the Boardman Lake Campus at an upcoming meeting. The proposed name reflects the building’s location and will make it clearer to students that university partner offices and classes are now located on the Front Street campus. The name change supports our ongoing evolution from a physical hub to a stronger, more flexible partnership model. This is about partnership, not place.
Some NMC departments will continue to operate at the University Center in the near term. As we shared in our recent all-employee Zoom, we’re also beginning to move some NMC teams out of the Beckett Building and into other spaces like Scholars Hall. At the same time, we’re thoughtfully evaluating the long-term future of the Boardman Lake Campus in ways that reflect both student needs and community stewardship.
Thank you for all you do to support students and help move NMC forward.
Warmly,
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
Apr 23, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Commencement ceremonies for Northwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2025 will be held Saturday, May 3 in Milliken Auditorium on main campus. Three ceremonies will be held, with graduates grouped by degree or credential earned.
- 11 a.m.: Associate of Science and Arts (ASA) and Associate of General Studies degrees
- 12:30 p.m.: Non-health Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE) degrees, and certificates
- 2 p.m.: Health Occupations (nursing and dental assistant degrees), Aviation, Marine Technology and Maritime
Each ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers. Ceremonies will be streamed live at nmc.edu/video and NMC’s YouTube channel.
NMC’s Class of 2025 has earned 565 degrees and certificates, including the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Science and Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in General Studies and Certificate of Practical Nursing. Bachelor of Science degrees in Maritime Technology and Marine Technology will also be awarded. More than 20 percent of the graduates are recipients of Michigan Reconnect, a statewide scholarship program that offers free tuition to adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree or certificate.
Other 2025 highlights include:
NMC will also hold its annual Honors & Leadership Convocation at 4:30 p.m. May 2 at the Dennos Museum Center. Awards to be presented include:
- Academic area awards
- Honors program participants and graduates
- Dr. Kari Kahler Adult Student of the Year
- President’s Possibilitarian Award
- Student leaders of the year
- Recognition of outstanding student groups
- nEXt and Global Endorsement recipients
Release date: April 24, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – text preferred)
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
Apr 22, 2025 | Student News
Congratulations to the graduates of 2025! 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!
Apr 21, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
Find these audiobooks and more on the NMC Library’s Libby app. If you’re new to Libby, follow these instructions to set up your account.
The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World by Oliver Milman
“[The Insect Crisis] is a somber book, a catalogue of loss and unravelling, but also a lucid homage to the fabulous utility of insects and a critique of our fixation with backbones…If its visions are sometimes mournful, there is also something wondrous in Milman’s revelation of our fragile dependency on insect life as well as its beauty and strangeness.” – The Guardian
Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life by Ferris Jabr
“This exploration of the Earth as a living entity is lyrical, smart, and will make you appreciate our home planet in countless new ways. It’s really a fascinating book.”—Science Friday
Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration by Sara Dykman
“An extraordinary story in which Dykman seamlessly weaves together science, a real love of nature and the adventure and hazards of biking with butterflies from Mexico to Canada and back. They share an epic journey and encounter hardships, but they do not give up. The book is a lament for our thoughtless destruction of nature and at the same time a celebration of the beauty that remains. The migration of the monarch butterflies is one of the wonders of the world—we must save it for future generations.” —Dr. Jane Goodall
How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World by Ethan Tapper
A personal narrative on the importance of forest ecologies by a Vermont forester.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“Braiding Sweetgrass is instructive poetry. Robin Wall Kimmerer has put the spiritual relationship that Chief Seattle called the ‘web of life’ into writing. Industrial societies lack the understanding of the interrelationships that bind all living things—this book fills that void. I encourage one and all to read these instructions.”—Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper, Onondaga Nation and Indigenous Environmental Leader
Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake
“Nearly every page of this book contained either an observation so interesting or a turn of phrase so lovely that I was moved to slow down, stop, and reread… This book rocked me into remembering that nature, especially fungal nature, is big and encompassing and creative and destructive. It reminded me that fungi are, like the Universe, sublime.” — Science
Apr 17, 2025 | Intercom, Student News
A dancer in the 2019 graduation pow wow
(download a high-resolution version here)TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College’s Native American Student Organization will hold a traditional pow wow honoring 2025 graduates from 1–4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, on NMC’s Front Street campus. This annual NMC event is open to the public and celebrates vibrant and culturally significant Native American tribes of our region. Ten Native American students are graduating this spring.
The pow wow will take place under the pines on the south side of the Osterlin Building, and feature Native American dancers, drummers, storytelling, music and more. Food and vendors will also be available. Grand Entry is set for 2:30 p.m. Attendees can park in the Aspen or Cedar lots. A campus map is available at nmc.edu/maps.
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 17, 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nathan Bootz
Native American Student Success Coach
(231) 995-2135
nbootz@nmc.edu
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
