The Dogwood Lot will be closed from Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19 to accommodate local law enforcement training exercises. Access to the lot will be restricted beginning Sunday, June 14. Campus safety would like employees and students to remove their vehicles before the restriction takes effect.
For questions, please contact Garrett Croon at (231) 995-1747 or gcroon@nmc.edu
To help ensure the continued safety of our campus community, fire alarm and sprinkler system testing will take place throughout NMC campuses this summer. Please do not be alarmed if you encounter testing activity in the buildings listed below. Testing is scheduled as follows:
July 24
Scholars Hall
Health & Science Building
Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
Beckett Building
North Hall
Parsons-Stulen Building
July 29
Okerstrom Fine Arts Building
Aviation
Automotive Service Technology Building
Power House
July 30
Osterlin Building
Tanis Building
1880 Apartment
Front Street Flats
Aero Park Labs
July 31
Rajkovich Physical Education Building
Aug 4
Founders Hall
East Hall
Rogers Observatory
Aug 5
Dennos Museum (7 a.m.)
Les Biederman Building
Great Lakes Campus
1882/1884 apts
Aug 6
Oleson Center for Continuing Education
If you have any concerns about the scheduling, please reach out to Nancy Durecki at (231) 995-1112 or ndurecki@nmc.edu.
What if the greatest risk to global security isn’t a foreign power, but our changing climate? The International Affairs Forum closes its 32nd season with an examination of the U.S. military and its addressing of climate change. Once an “environmental laggard”, our military is now a clean energy and climate leader. In a world where warming temperatures exacerbate everything from terrorism to power plays by Russia and China, the Pentagon now recognizes that “climate readiness is mission readiness.”
This program is supported by IAF members and sponsors and is underwritten by Harold and Pam Lassers.
Sherri Goodman, the Pentagon’s first-ever Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security will take the audience inside the strategy rooms and onto the battlefield to explore the findings of her book, Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership and the Fight for Global Security. As the Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security and a former Wilson Center fellow, Goodman has been at the vanguard of this shift for 30+ years.
Goodman argues that we must address climate change with the same alarm as the Cold War nuclear threat, noting that “a warming world exacerbates every threat,” from the stability of our own domestic bases to competition for increasingly scarce food and water abroad. Her work offers a tough yet hopeful “inside story” of the military’s fight for global security, answering the critical question: How can we safeguard both our national defense and our planet?
The discussion will offer unique insights into how military leadership and climate strategy are now inseparable, and what it means for the future of global stability.
When: June 11, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m., program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Admission is free for current students and educators, including NMC and area secondary schools. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Book sales: Bay Books, 220 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, 231-944-6809. Call to reserve a copy or purchase at the event.
TRAVERSE CITY — The Audit Committee of Northwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees will meet at 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 1 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105 on NMC’s Front Street campus, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City. The official meeting notice is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Good afternoon NMC community,
I’m sad to share that NMC recently lost an important connection to our earliest days.
George Comden
George Comden passed away at the age of 92. George was one of the original 23 graduates in NMC’s first graduating class in 1953 and, until his passing, one of the last living members of that class.
I first met George in 2020 during my first year at NMC. At the time, we were still in the thick of the pandemic, and I had the opportunity to spend time with him on campus. I left that conversation feeling like I’d been given a rare opportunity, the chance to hear directly from someone who was here when NMC first opened its doors.
Over the years that followed, I stayed in touch with George and had the opportunity to visit with him several times. He loved talking about NMC and often shared what he thought mattered most about the college.
He spoke about faculty who cared deeply about students and wanted to help them succeed. He shared the opportunities NMC created in his own life through access and affordability. And he talked proudly about the college’s connection to and service to the community.
What stayed with me was that more than 70 years after graduating, George never stopped being proud to be part of NMC. He followed the college closely, celebrated what was happening here, and continued to believe deeply in our mission and in the opportunities NMC creates for students.
As we mark NMC’s 75th anniversary, George’s passing feels especially significant. Each year, there are fewer and fewer members of our first graduating class still with us. It’s a reminder that we inherit something larger than ourselves and are called to leave it stronger for those who follow. George and his classmates helped establish who we are as a college. Generations of students, employees, and supporters have carried that work forward since then, and today we have the privilege and responsibility of continuing to steward NMC’s mission for those who come next.
I’ll always be grateful that I had the chance to know George and learn from him. More than anything, he reminded me that the impact of a college extends far beyond graduation and can stay with someone for a lifetime.
Please join me in keeping George’s family and loved ones in your thoughts.
Nick
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Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
The NMC Board of Trustees Policy Committee will meet Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
To honor Memorial Day, we pause to remember the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. At NMC, supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military families is part of who we are. We’re proud to be recognized as a military-friendly school for 2026 and remain committed to creating meaningful pathways, strong support systems and opportunities for those who have served.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
The following college events and stories have appeared in the media recently. We want to share your media involvement too. Please send information about your NMC-related interview or appearance to publicrelations@nmc.edu. If possible, please include a link to the piece and information about where and when it was used.
Please note access to some stories may be limited by paywalls set up by the media outlet. This includes the Traverse City Record-Eagle, which limits free clicks to five per month. You may also read Record-Eagle articles in the print edition at the NMC Library.
New lecture series to honor press freedom, and the TC couple who stood for it
Record-Eagle, May 26
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Did you know that your tuition waiver benefits extend beyond credit classes? Take a fitness class, learn a new hobby, or even enjoy a date night with your partner. Check out these exclusive employee passes (remember, you must be logged into your student account to view) and browse classes for you and yours this spring!
With their distinctive papery white bark, birch trees stand as elegant, easily recognized tenants of Michigan’s woodlands. Learn how to capture the beauty of birch trees with acrylic paints on an 11 x 14 inch canvas. Read more about Painting With Acrylics: Birch Trees.
Saturday, May 30; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $22 per person (public price $99)
Want to learn the sport of rowing or improve your rowing development? Row on beautiful Lake Leelanau from historic Fountain Point Resort on the northern end of South Lake Leelanau. Read more about Masters Camp Learn 2 Row (Spring Session).
6 sessions; Mondays & Wednesdays, June 3–22; 5–7 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $22 per person (public price $199)
This immersive Japanese language course is designed to equip teens through adults with essential communication skills to fully appreciate Japanese culture. You’ll embark on a journey through the fundamentals of Hiragana (the Japanese writing system), basic grammar, and conversational techniques. Read more about Beginning Japanese.
8 sessions; Thursdays, June 4–July 23; 6–8 p.m.
Tuition Waiver Price: $22 per person (public price $199)
TRAVERSE CITY — Registration is now open for College Edge, a free program NMC is hosting this summer to help college students prepare for their fall semester.
Running July 13-Aug.7, College Edge is a four-week program to help prepare students to succeed before they start or continue college at NMC this fall. Interested students can register for one of two options:
Students will also receive success coaching tips and tools like time management and studying smarter. For completing the program, students will earn a $250 scholarship toward NMC’s fall semester and a free graphing calculator. Find out more at nmc.edu/edge
College Edge hosted by NMC debuted in 2023. It is part of the investment the state of Michigan is making in its student-age population. State scholarships available now include the Community College Guarantee for the high school class of 2025 and 2026, and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older who don’t already have a degree.
Diana Fairbanks
NMC Public Relations
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1020
Traverse City Central High School will host a track meet on Tuesday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Please be aware that there may be some congestion in the Cedar Lot during this time.
Do you want to get some extra steps in to meet your goals while connecting with colleagues? Brittany from Human Resources is hosting 2 employee walks around the Civic Center loop (this is approximately a 1 mile walk). These group walks are completely optional but can be a fun way to chat and catch up with colleagues so we hope you’ll join us for one or both times!
We will meet in front of the Dennos and plan to leave promptly at the scheduled time so grab your water and we will see you there!
Join NMC Wellness and Yen Yoga for an invigorating outdoor yoga class beneath the pines. This course is free to NMC employees and will be led by Leslie Simionescu from Yen Yoga. Embrace the fresh air, connect with nature and rejuvenate your mind and body. All skill levels are welcome. Start your journey to relaxation and wellness with us today. One lucky attendee will win a brand new yoga bag!
Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m.
Outside of the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center
In the event of rain we will relocate to the gym in the Rajkovich Physical Education Building
Register
Questions? Email bhanbury@nmc.edu
Kudos to Lindsey Dickenson! Lindsay Dickinson does a great job of summarizing Campus Safety and Security during school orientations. I appreciate the detail she provides and saying, “See Something Say Something” as it reflects our security posture.
Experts suggest maintaining an “attitude of gratitude” increases positivity for yourself and for others. Please encourage your colleagues by submitting a KUDOS. Let them know you appreciate their hard work and are thinking of them!
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
The NMC Board of Trustees Presidential Performance & Compensation Committee will meet Tuesday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. in Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center Room 104/105. More information is available here.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
TRAVERSE CITY— Northwestern Michigan College congratulates the 1,066 students who made the spring semester Dean’s List, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or above out of a possible 4.0 while taking five or more credits.
The full list is available here.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
Media on deadline, call or text (231) 392-6082
Non-deadline inquiries: (231) 995-1020
At the May 18th meeting of the Board of Trustees, Jason Slade presented a summary of Strategy 3: Vibrant College Community: Improve the places, systems, and supports that shape life at NMC, making it easier for students and employees to connect, succeed, and take pride in their work and learning.
Objective 1: Deliver near-term master-plan projects, Osterlin student hub, and new student housing, as visible commitments to a modern, student-centered campus.
Success Metrics: Completed Master Plan projects
Objective 2: Renew and improve campus spaces, addressing aging facilities in need of renewal, and enhancing landscaping and gathering areas to create a functional, welcoming environment that reflects NMC’s quality and community.
Success Metrics: Completed campus projects
Objective 3: Strengthen the student experience outside the classroom by improving connection, community, and support across all campuses, creating consistent opportunities for students to engage with each other and with NMC in ways that enhance satisfaction and persistence.
Success Metrics: Increased student belonging, satisfaction, and engagement. Slice by student house (ie: analyze each student type.
Objective 4: Engagement: Strengthen NMC’s reputation as an employer of choice by reviewing, prioritizing, and implementing improvements to staffing, workload, and compensation systems to ensure they continue to support a healthy, high-performing organization and a culture of professionalism and pride.
Success Metrics: Employee retention and satisfaction
Objective 5: Processes/Systems: Assess and modernize NMC’s core operational systems including budgeting, human resources, information technology, and decision-making workflows to reduce friction, improve coordination, and strengthen efficiency and trust across the college.
Success Metrics: Process time reduction, accuracy improvements
The Board of Trustees provided feedback that will be addressed prior to the next reporting of Strategy 3 in December:
The full memo can be found here. Next up — Strategic Drivers Living Our Brand and People First at the July 20 meeting of the Board. (No Strategic Plan update in June.)