Oct 22, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
The International Affairs Forum returns the Milliken Auditorium on Thursday, November 12 with bestselling author Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times foreign correspondent, award-winning writer and bestselling author; Senior Fellow in International and Public Affairs, Watson School of International and Public Affairs, Brown University.
In his groundbreaking new book, Boiling Point, Kinzer tells this long-hidden story of the secret 75-year American campaign that set the stage for war in Ukraine. Until the Russian invasion in 2022, few Americans could find Ukraine on a map. Once the fighting began, however, support for its cause surged. The reason was clear: Russia was the aggressor, Ukraine its victim. Yet this war did not explode out of nowhere. For seventy-five years, Moscow and Washington have fought over Ukraine. It is the most sustained covert conflict in modern history. Both sides sought to keep this story secret. They succeeded—until now.
Beginning in the refugee camps of postwar Europe, where CIA officers recruited their first Ukrainian agents, it follows generations of rebels, exiles, traitors, and covert operatives through decades of clandestine missions. Although nearly all of the guerrilla warriors that the CIA sent into Ukraine were captured or killed, it never gave up. From the late 1940s through the end of the Cold War, American leaders saw Ukrainians as their most effective weapon against Moscow. They continued to press that strategy after Ukraine’s independence and the eastward expansion of the US-dominated NATO alliance.
Richly detailed and plot-driven, Boiling Point shows how the United States made Ukraine its most important European project of the twenty-first century, culminating in the escalation that led to war. From battlefields in the Carpathians to smoke-filled offices in New York to the Olympic Games, it is full of the wild stories and improbable characters that made All the Shah’s Men a classic. This is the last great untold spy-versus-spy story of our time.
When: Thursday, November 12, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Free for students, educators, NMC faculty and staff. Open to the public. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Book sales & signing facilitated by Artemis Books & Goods. Purchase at event or order in advance at artemisbooksandgoods.com
Oct 21, 2026 | Intercom
Updates will expand workforce training capacity in growing blue economy sector
October 21, 2026
NMC has been awarded a $630,876 state grant to modernize its research vessel, a key asset for the college’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
The funds will be used to update the R/V Northwestern’s propulsion and power systems and to acquire and install new equipment, including a new commercial multibeam echosounder system. The 56-foot, 20-passenger vessel serves as a critical training platform for NMC’s Marine Technology program, providing experiential learning opportunities for students with the same technologies they’ll use after graduation, when employed in the commercial maritime industry.
Hands-on instruction in such technology sets NMC’s program apart from others. NMC is also the only community college to have a harbor on the Great Lakes.
“Our Marine Technology graduates play an important role in supporting the maritime industry, whether it is mapping navigation channels, ports and harbors, conducting ship hull inspections, or assessing critical underwater infrastructure,” said John Lutchko, director of NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute. “These investments are about much more than modernizing equipment. They ensure that we can continue providing exceptional hands-on training, preparing students for meaningful careers.”
Lutchko added that the grant will allow NMC to purchase its first multibeam echosounder, used to map underwater environments.
“We have historically relied on the generosity of our industry partners to provide this equipment through loans,” he said. “While those partnerships have been instrumental to our success, owning this technology will give us greater independence and ensure our students have consistent access to the industry-standard equipment they will encounter in their careers.”
The funds are a part of the state’s first-ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, released earlier this year. NMC’s collaborative efforts to establish Traverse City as the hub of a blue economy, including construction of the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, helped inform the strategy.
“These investments are strengthening the state’s competitiveness from end to end,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By expanding training programs in advanced manufacturing and maritime fields, we’re preparing workers to meet growing national demand while creating meaningful, good‑paying career pathways here at home.”
NMC submitted a proposal earlier this year and was one of five community colleges selected to share $3 million in funding.
Oct 20, 2026 | Intercom, President Updates
The NMC Board of Trustees Fellows Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the 2027 Northwestern Michigan College “Fellow” award. The Fellow is NMC’s highest honor and the following criteria are taken into consideration during the selection process.
- Demonstrated influential networking on behalf of the College – Exercising helpful influence among their resource networks in public life, academe or business and industry with those who can positively affect the mission of the College.
- Financial contribution – Demonstration of pattern of outstanding contributions over time to NMC.
- Time devoted in the interest of NMC – Exemplifying dedicated and loyal volunteer service over a period of years.
- Retirees – In addition to service deemed extraordinary during their active careers as members of the faculty and staff, retirees who continue to contribute to their academic or professional fields and provide exemplary service back to NMC as volunteers, mentors or advisors shall be considered.
Exceptional contributions in one or more of these areas may justify nomination. No staff, faculty, or trustee shall be named a Fellow while still employed or in office. A list of previously selected Fellows is available at nmc.edu/fellows
Please complete the Fellows nomination form to nominate a worthy candidate. Nominations may be submitted to the President’s Office and via e-mail to nmcpresident@nmc.edu by Friday, December 1, 2026.
President’s Office
1701 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 995-1010
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Professional Communications students are working to provide 215 Thanksgiving meal boxes to local families through the 13th annual Business 231 Thanks-for-Giving experiential learning project.
The project gives students real-world experience while addressing food insecurity in the community. Of the 215 meal boxes, 165 will go to NMC families and 50 will be donated to families selected by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
With help from local organizations and community members, students are raising funds and collecting food donations to provide dinner boxes containing a turkey and traditional side dishes to serve a family of six, along with extra food to help families through the holiday season. Boxes include a pan for cooking the turkey, along with a family activity to make the day memorable. Additionally, those with dietary needs can select gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan meal boxes.
“You learn a lot about yourself through hands-on experience, and you get out of it what you put into it,” said class instructor Kristy McDonald.
To raise funds, the class is hosting a Glow Skate at Howe Ice Arena in the Grand Traverse County Civic Center on Nov. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 and skate rentals are an additional $5. The event will feature a bake sale and hot cocoa bar, and each attendee will receive a glow stick.
A prize giveaway is also available for donors who contribute $15 or more. Prizes include gift cards to local businesses, a one-night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge, a one-night stay at Delamar, and putt-putt golf at Pirates Cove.
Enter the drawing by:
1. https://www.nmc.edu/give.
2. Choose an amount to donate (minimum of $15 for the prize giveaway)
3. Use the drop-down menu (Designate my gift to) select Thanks for Giving
4. You will receive a receipt once your payment is confirmed
In addition to monetary donations, the community can donate boxes of granola bars or jars of peanut butter. Food donations can be dropped off through Nov.18 in red donation bins in three locations:
- NMC’s Front Street campus in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center lobby
- Great Lakes campus
- Parsons-Stulen building on the Aero Park campus
Meal boxes will be distributed on Monday, November 23, on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Release date: OCTOBER 19, 2026
For more information:
Cassidy Weber
Student Leader
weber329@mail.nmc.edu
(231) 590-1511
Kristy McDonald
Business Instructor
kmcdonald@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1059
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
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Middle East instability directly shapes American foreign policy, economic stability, and domestic security. As Washington attempts to pivot focus toward Great Power competition with China and Russia, recurring regional crises continue pulling military, intelligence, and diplomatic assets back into the region. Recent developments—such as the August 2026 Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—signal a profound shift toward regional self-reliance and collective deterrence. This evolving security architecture reshapes long-standing U.S. alliances, influences global energy corridors, and complicates Washington’s efforts to counter Iran’s proxy networks, drone proliferation, and gray-zone cyber tactics.
Join the International Affairs Forum for an insider perspective with national security expert Javed Ali, former Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council and former intelligence analyst with the FBI and DIA. Drawing on his experience from field operations to the White House Situation Room, Ali will analyze how shifting Middle East power dynamics, proxy warfare, and new regional pacts disrupt global strategy and impact U.S. national security at home and abroad.
When: Thursday, October 22, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program in-person and livestream
Where: Milliken Auditorium, Dennos Museum Center
Tickets: Free for students, educators, NMC faculty and staff. Open to the public. Get your tickets at tciaf.com. Advance purchase of in-person or online tickets recommended.
Oct 19, 2026 | Hawk Owl Helpers and Heroes, Intercom, Student News
Thanks to the NMC Motorsports Club and their adviser, Wayne Moody, for showing true sportsmanship at the Backwoods Baja race this weekend at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Following the pre-race technical inspection, which the Hawk Owls passed with no issues, an NMC team member learned the University of Iowa team had not passed. Iowa was there without an advisor and didn’t know how to resolve an engine problem. Moody helped them fix it, Iowa entered the race and bested NMC’s fifth place in the overall standings. Moody said, “Our team had the same amount of pride in helping them out to be successful as they would have been if it was their own car.”
The Hawk Owls’ race was topped off by finishing with no breakdowns, a first for NMC in its history of competing at the endurance race, where they consistently perform well against four-year schools like Iowa.
Who’s been a Hawk Owl Helper or Hero for you? Let us know at publicrelations@nmc.edu!
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom, Media Mentions
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.
Gov. Whitmer accelerates Michigan Maritime growth with $8 million
Gulf Oil & Gas, Oct. 19
(more…)
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s October Conference! Your participation, engagement and energy made the event a huge success!
To help us keep improving future events, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please take a few minutes to complete our post-conference feedback survey you received via email.
If you want to review any of the sessions or catch up on presentations you missed, presenter slides are now available on the October Conference Google shared drive in the 2026 folder. Browse the October Conference photo gallery to revisit memorable moments and see the event in action.
Thank you again for making time to connect and engage with your colleagues. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event!
Oct 19, 2026 | Cyber Minute, Intercom
Old retail accounts, high school apps, and forgotten sign-ins are security risks. If one of those companies gets breached, hackers will try that same password on your college email. Clean house.
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom
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!
New! Discover the meditative process of coiling. Try your hand at creating sculptural forms using natural fiber and waxed linen. Learn foundational coiling techniques while exploring rhythm, texture and organic form. No prior experience is necessary. Read more about Coiling: Building Form With Fiber.
Friday, October 23; Noon–3 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $37 per person (Public price: $125)
Mix, mash and mold your way to sweet success! Transform the kitchen into a colorful candy laboratory to craft wholesome versions of chewy gummy bears, creamy peanut butter cups and crunchy chocolate bars. Unleash the natural magic of fruit, honey and dates to create sticky, sweet masterpieces that pack a serious punch of flavor. Read more about Creative Candy Creations.
Saturday, October 24; 1–3 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $46 for two people (Public price: $149)
Condition your entire body by using a variety of modalities like Pilates, yoga, strength training, and cardio. By using many different types of exercises that incorporate flexibility, strength and resistance, you will build strength, agility and power. Each hour-long class will challenge your mind and body because no two classes are the same. Read more about Fitness Conditioning.
16 sessions; Mondays & Wednesdays, October 26 – December 16; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuition waiver price: $35 per person (Public price: $199)
Oct 19, 2026 | Intercom, Student News
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials during the fall and spring semesters from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and from 4:30–6 p.m. The protein option is $10.99, and the vegetarian option (V) is $9.99. Learn more at nmc.edu/dining.
Menu
Monday, October 19
Chicken Gyros & Grilled Pita w/ Lemon Rice & Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Falafel (V) & Grilled Pita w/ Lemon Rice & Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Tuesday, October 20
Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas w/ Spanish Rice & Refried Beans
Roasted Poblano & Bean Quesadillas (V) w/ Spanish Rice & Refried Beans
Wednesday, October 21
Sesame Chicken Stir Fry w/ Basmati Rice & Egg Rolls
Tofu Stir Fry (V) w/ Basmati Rice & Egg Rolls
Thursday, October 22
Italian Sausage, Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce Rigatoni Pasta w/ Garlic Bread & Broccoli
Roasted Veg Pasta (V), Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce w/ Garlic Bread & Broccoli
Friday, October 23
Crispy Chicken w/ Buffalo Sauce & Mac & Cheese w/ Asparagus
Veg-Battered Cauliflower Bites (V) & Mac & Cheese w/ Asparagus
Oct 16, 2026 | Accessibility in Action, Intercom
Documents are some of the most common digital materials we create and share. There are a series of elements that make up an accessible document, but this month will focus on how to use headings to make your documents more accessible. Learn more here.
Oct 16, 2026 | Intercom
The NMC Board of Trustees will hold a study session and its regular monthly meeting Monday, October 19, in theTimothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, Room 106/107. More information is available here.
The study session begins at 3 p.m. The regular board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact the President’s office at (231) 995-1010.
Oct 15, 2026 | Intercom, Student Events
Interested in a career in healthcare? Join Grand Valley State University for a Healthcare Professionals Panel where experts from diverse healthcare fields will share their insights, experiences and advice.
This free event brings together experts across various healthcare fields, including public health, physician assistants, health informatics, physical therapy, medical lab science and more. Panelists will provide valuable perspectives on today’s healthcare challenges and opportunities. There will also be time to ask questions and connect.
Date: Tuesday, November 10
Time: 6–7:30 p.m.
Location: Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105, NMC Front Street Campus
RSVP to attend. Please email nminfo@gvsu.edu or call (231) 995-1785 for more information.
Oct 15, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who laced up their sneakers and stepped up to NMC’s Step Challenge! Over the course of the challenge, your energy, determination and friendly competition made this event a resounding success.
Whether you were taking quick walk breaks during the workday, logging miles on the weekend or pacing during conference calls, every single step added up to an unbelievable team milestone.
The Final Breakdown
- 60 participants stepped up and logged their movement.
- 33 employees officially crossed the finish line and met the challenge goal!
- 8,864,884 total steps were recorded
Together, our combined efforts added up to 4,432 miles! To put that distance into perspective, that is longer than walking across the entire United States from coast to coast with over 1,000 miles to spare!
Keep the Momentum Going
The challenge may be over, but the habit doesn’t have to be. Let’s keep moving! Thank you for making this challenge a huge success and for taking nearly 9 million steps forward together!
*This post was crafted with the assistance of generative AI.
Oct 15, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
Kudos to Chef Scott Williams, Chad Schenkelberger, Crystal Bailey and the Hagerty Center staff! Thank you for the outstanding October Conference lunch. The food was amazing! The lines flowed smoothly and the entire lunch event was seamless and flawless, as well as the morning coffee and tea service.
Kudos to the Foundation & Alumni, the President’s Office and PRMC team for all their support providing 75th swag, tablecloths and banners to 75th up the October Conference. Everyone loves their swag! Thank you for sharing with us. You made our event special and memorable. Thank you!
Kudos to Kristi Hallett, Angie Adamick and the entire Custodial/Facilities teams for your great work making October Conference a success! From scheduling and updating rooms to coordinating room setups for our panel discussions and other spaces, you made everything run seamlessly. Thanks also for transporting the NMC history banners for the stage to create a special touch to make our morning space feel so welcoming. Your teamwork from setup to final teardown kept everything running smoothly and looking great for everyone!
Kudos to Maria Ulrich, Megan Holtry and the Dennos team for all of your incredible support in coordinating our October conference. We are especially grateful to Maria for seamlessly managing the event’s tech behind the scenes. Your skill with sound, lights and slides created a warm, welcoming and professional event. Your team’s hard work, attention to detail and dedication made the entire conference a resounding success!
Kudos to the advisory board members of the Center for Instructional Excellence and the Professional Development Institute! A huge thanks for their support with the 2026 October Conference. Our board members helped develop the theme, brainstormed session ideas and consulted during the planning process. Not only did they pitch in to help with logistics at the event, they also participated as session presenters. Special thanks to CIE office manager Tracy Welch, who put in more than 12,000 steps at the conference, making sure the session rooms were equipped and ready, as well as presenting at two sessions!
Kudos to and sincere appreciation to Stephanie Powers, Todd Neibauer, Lisa Thomas, Anna Bennett, Kaitlyn DeBoer, Claire Wood, Harrison Cramer, Audrey Nicholson, CJ Schneider, Rylee Kulakowski, Brianna Caron, Rheanna Gilzene, Riley Greene, Kylie Gibson, JJ Thomas and TCAPS for braving the elements on Tuesday, October 13 and dedicating their time to support our students at Jacob’s Corn Maze at Jacob Farm.
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!
Oct 15, 2026 | HR Corner, Intercom
These employees recently started working at the college. Let’s welcome them to the NMC community!
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- Adrianna Parker, student employee – Lobdell’s Purchasing & Receiving Assistant
- Marisa Green, supplemental employee – Food Service, front of house
- Ben Eilers, supplemental employee – Food Service, back of house
- Greg Terrell – Adjunct Computer Science/Engineering Instructor
- Taylor Reese, student employee – Parsons-Stulen Welcome Desk
Oct 15, 2026 | Intercom
When acts of violence occur, you can’t always wait for EMS to arrive. AVIRT Training was developed with law enforcement and medical experts to empower everyone to become an immediate responder. This course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to active violence and emergency situations. AVIRT teaches both active shooter response skills and emergency bleeding techniques. Certification period: 2 years.
Tuesday, October 20
3–5 p.m.
Osterlin Building, room 205
Register through NeoEd Learn using these instructions. For questions, contact Garrett Croon at gcroon@nmc.edu or (231) 995-1747.
